MONTICELLO –– With the holidays approaching, many local organizations are offering a helping hand to those in need.

For example, the Federation for the Homeless, located  on 9 Monticello St, in Monticello, will be having a Thanksgiving Fixings Pantry (everything but turkeys) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They will also be giving out turkeys from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Furthermore, Federation for the Homeless Executive Director Kathy Kreiter told the Democrat that they are once again doing their Thanksgiving meals to-go on Wednesday, November 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals will be served in family-style containers. 

Furthermore, the Federation is accepting monetary donations to assist with their ongoing efforts. Kreiter also says they are in need of socks and gloves for those they support.

For more info, contact the Federation at 845-794-2604.

Monticello Rotary

Monticello Rotary will continue the annual tradition of holding its Thanksgiving Food Drive and will be collecting items tomorrow, November 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Ted Stroebele Building on Jefferson Street in Monticello.

“Now, more than ever, our fellow neighbors are in need of food not only for Thanksgiving but to place food on their tables daily,” said Brad Rutledge, Monticello Rotary President.

Items most needed are canned veggies, canned fruit, cereal, pasta, gravy, sauces, canned meats, canned pasta, jam, jelly, peanut butter, rice.  (Any items non-perishable). 

Julian Dawson, Executive Director of Sullivan County United Way and Kathy Kreiter, Executive Director for the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless will be on hand to pick up the donated items for distribution.

Sullivan County Long Beards

Today, the Sullivan County Long Beards distributed turkeys to 17 different not-for-profits who will be giving them to families in their respective communities in time for Thanksgiving.

The turkey distribution effort has been taking place for approximately 15 years.

If your organization wants to contact the Long Beards regarding future distributions, call 845-292-4325.

Toy giveaway

The I.O.U. Thrift Shop will be giving out toys to local families in December.

The deadline to sign-up if you or someone you know needs toys for their children for the holidays, is December 14.

Families must be within the Sullivan West Central School District or if in Pennsylvania, be within 15 miles of Callicoon.

For more info, contact I.O.U.’s Main Street Thrift Shop in Callicoon, by calling or leaving a message at 845-887-5919.