CALLICOON -- For years the I.O.U Thrift Shop, in partnership with the Delaware Youth Center and thanks to the generous donations of countless individuals, has distributed Thanksgiving food baskets to local families in need. This year may be unlike any other, but Alice Schlichting and other volunteers say the food baskets will continue without delay.

“I've been doing this for at least 10 years,” Schlichting said. “It's usually very successful and we know there continues to be a need around here.”

In past years, people could walk into the Youth Center at 8 Creamery Road in Callicoon and fill their boxes with the things they wanted. This year, due to COVID-19 and ongoing renovations at the Youth Center, Schlichting said that those in need could sign up and then pick up their box on Monday, November 23 from 1 - 3 p.m. without having to step inside.

Each box contains a full Thanksgiving dinner based on the number of people in that family - including turkey and trimmings, vegetables, side dishes and dessert.

“We're gonna pack the whole thing and ship it out when they come,” Schlichting said.

Those in need can sign up at the I.O.U. Thrift Shop located at 37 Lower Main street in Callicoon.

“They have to sign their name, their address, their telephone number and how many people are in the home,” Schlichting said, that way they know what portion sizes to include.

The thrift store is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Schlichting said those who are unable to make it to the thrift store can call her at (845) 887-4719 and sign up by phone.

The I.O.U Thrift store has a long tradition of helping the less fortunate in the community, from their December Toy Drive, to vouchers for food, fuel and electric costs.

“We're all volunteers, so that's a good thing,” Schlichting said.

While a great deal of food donations in past years have come from local area schools, concerns over COVID and other pressures on school districts have forced I.O.U. to rely on donations from other sources. Schlichting said they've been getting more donations from church groups and individuals.

Anyone who is interested in donating food, canned goods or other items can bring them to the Delaware Youth Center on November 22 after 4 p.m.