United Way of Western Connecticut is partnering with the Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford to collect food and monetary donations.  Called Operation Thanksgiving, they hope to help families who are struggling this year to pay their bills and put food on their tables. 

A drop-off food collection day will be held at the New Milford Bandstand on November 7th from 10 am to 3 pm.  Cash or checks made out to the Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford will also be accepted. 

United Way Community Impact Coordinator Katy Francis says approximately 250 families will benefit from this event.  This event was formerly called Stuff the Gazebo.  Last year’s Thanksgiving food donation drive collected enough food for more than 200 Greater New Milford families to have a full meal on Thanksgiving day. 

The need is anticipated to be greater this year, as many families lost jobs or wages during the pandemic, and many families’ food budgets have been stretched by having children at home more days of the week.

Non-Perishable Food Items Being Collected:
Pie Crust Mix*
Canned Pie Filling*
Canned Yams*
Cranberry Sauce*
Cream Soups*
Canned/Jarred Gravy
Stuffing Mix
Boxed Mashed Potatoes
Canned Veggies

* Most needed