Donations needed to support Thanksgiving Baskets program

Funding is needed to help support the Community Assistance Program’s (CAP) Thanksgiving Baskets program, which provides complete, ready-to-cook Thanksgiving dinners to more than 250 local families with financial need every year.

Over 265 baskets were given out last year, and organizers estimated that a similar number will be distributed this year. The baskets cost about $50 each to assemble, with the turkey being the most expensive component. Other items in the baskets include potatoes, yams, onions, cranberry sauce, green beans, stuffing mix, gravy mix, chicken broth, celery, bread rolls, whipped cream, butter and milk.

The baskets also include homemade pies prepared by local girl scouts, who receive an experience patch. “They learn the science behind baking and how to put ingredients together,” said Rhyan Lopez, the program’s co-director. “Last year we got over 500 pies, and we only needed about 300, so we were able to double up on the desserts for the baskets.”

Lopez said that a team of 25 to 30 volunteers assemble the baskets over the course of about four sessions, with the last session occurring on the day of distribution. “The day of distribution is the day we’re really running around,” he said. This year, distribution will occur on Tuesday, November 26 between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with assistance from the fire department.

A specific pick-up time will be assigned to those who register. People are encouraged to register online at blainecap.org between Tuesday, October 1 and Friday, November 15. Reservations can also be made by calling the Blaine school district’s Family Service Center at 360/332-0740. The program serves those with financial need, including families with children, seniors and the unemployed or under-employed who reside in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts.

CAP is a 501(c)(3) organization and is registered with the Washington Secretary of State. All donations are tax-deductible, and checks can be mailed to CAP Thanksgiving Basket Fund, P.O. Box 1067, Blaine, WA 98231.