Put the giving in Thanksgiving
Main Street, Beacon, NY. November 2024.
The countdown has begun. In two weeks, Thanksgiving hosts will be energetically (or frantically!) prepping, arranging, and putting the finishing touches on their biggest holiday event of the year. And guests may be steeling themselves for a long journey across the country. If that’s the case, we hope Beacon-themed host gifts are packed, and Calm meditation apps are downloaded.
By the time the big day arrives, we know you’ll have sourced everything you need from Main Street. (But if you haven’t yet thought about where to begin, take a look at last week’s feature on where to shop locally for Thanksgiving. We’ve been updating it throughout the week as more local businesses announce their offerings.) There are also some deadlines for pre-orders coming up soon, so take heed.
Amid the celebrations and delicious food, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and an opportunity to give back to the community. A great way to achieve all these things this Thanksgiving is to donate. Most importantly, it helps those who are experiencing food insecurity while also supporting our local businesses. In fact, when you add in the feel-good factor of giving back, it’s a win-win all around. The good news is there are some simple and inexpensive ways to give during this holiday season in Beacon, NY.
Make Sure There’s a Turkey on Every Table
The Turkey on Every Table Thanksgiving drive at Key Food, 268 Main Street
For the fourth year running*, I Am Beacon, Key Food, and the Salem Tabernacle Church are hosting their Turkey on Every Table initiative. The program’s ambitious goal aims to provide at least 100 families with a turkey and a bag of Thanksgiving-friendly groceries, and Beacon locals can help make it happen. Donations, no matter how small, will go a long way toward providing delicious food and joy to families who need a little extra help this Thanksgiving.
There are two ways to donate to this awesome program. The designated drop-off area for food donations can be found at the front of Key Food (268 Main Street). Accepted items can be bought from the store or from other stores. It’s up to you.
Until Tuesday, November 19th they are accepting goods including peanut butter jars, jelly jars, 10-pack hot chocolate mixes, canned yams, mac & cheese boxes, stuffing boxes, 1lb rice bags, 14oz canned vegetables, 3lb apple bags, baked pies, and reusable grocery bags. There are cash donation boxes at every cash register, and credit card donations are accepted at checkout or via Salem Tabernacle Church here (designate the donation to “Turkey On Every Table, Salem Cares”).
* The program started in 2014, ran until 2018, and was reignited in 2021, thanks to the power of community collaboration.
Fill Up the Tiny Pantries
A Fareground Tiny Pantry, outside Binnacle Books on Main Street
You’ll likely be familiar with the Tiny Pantries found at multiple locations across Beacon, inviting us to “take what you need, give what you can.” These small but mighty installations can be a lifeline to those in need of good quality food. The program is operated by Fareground, a charitable 501(c)(3), women-run food justice, anti-hunger organization dedicated to nourishing our community. When shopping for Thanksgiving, why not add a few extra items to donate to a pantry near you?
Locations include Binnacle Books (321 Main Street); Tompkins Terrace Laundry Rooms (194 Tompkins Terrace); Beacon Recreation Center (23 West Center Street); Howland Public Library (313 Main Street); Beacon Music Factory (333 Fishkill Avenue); First Presbyterian Church (50 Liberty Street).
Spread the word
A recent Nielson study found that 92% of consumers trust their friends and family over advertising. We mention this because it means we all have the power to help make a positive difference in our community just by telling our friends, neighbors, and families about all the ways they can help neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.
So, make sure to tell friends and neighbors how they can donate to the Turkey on Every Table initiative or a Tiny Pantry near them.
Fresh, organic vegetables available from Beacon Farmers Market every Sunday
And if you have a neighbor who may need a helping hand when it comes to nourishment, or a good meal this holiday, let them know they’re not alone. In collaboration with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Fareground runs regular Free Farm Stands in and around Beacon. They’ll be hosting one just before Thanksgiving at Memorial Park (61 Robert Cahill Drive) on Friday, November 22nd between 9:30AM and 10:30AM, offering vegetables, fruits, dairy, and other items.
A strong community is the glue that binds us together. But it takes people and effort to make it a reality. If you’re interested in volunteering, take a look at our Community directory to learn more about all the incredible organizations on our doorstep that are working to improve the lives of Beacon residents.
If there’s an organization we missed, let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it.
Happy Thanksgiving Planning!
Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon 🧡