November 17, 2020

Opinion Editorial: Thanksgiving in 2020

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Thanksgiving will likely look very different for many of us as the COVID-19 pandemic has altered life and changed the way we typically gather with friends and family for the holidays. Despite all of the unknowns and challenges of today, I invite you to join me in taking a few moments to reflect on what we do have to be grateful for. Let us use this time to check in with others in our community who may need a helping hand, offer some encouragement, or even someone to talk to. Let us also not forget those who are less fortunate.

Given all the financial hardships triggered by COVID-19, there are many who need our assistance over the holidays this year. The North Haven Food Pantry and the Community Services Food Bank continue to provide food assistance to any North Haven residents in need.

The North Haven Food Pantry is located at the North Haven Congregational Church at 28 Church Street. Distributions are made by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Anyone in need of food is eligible to pick up a distribution of two bags of non-perishable food once every 30 days to pick up two bags of non-perishable food.

The Community Services Food Bank is located at the Town Hall Annex at 5 Linsley Street. Distributions are made any time between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any household is able to receive one large recyclable shopping bag filled with non-perishable items once per month.

If you’re able to contribute, the Community Services Food Bank accepts non-perishable food and monetary donations, which can be mailed or hand-delivered. Checks should be made payable to the Town of North Haven and Food Bank should be specified in the memo section.

The North Haven Congregational Church also accepts non-perishable food and monetary donations which can be mailed or hand-delivered, and online donations can be made by visiting www.northhavenucc.org and clicking on the online giving tab at the top of the screen. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Funds collected will be used to distribute “Holiday Food Boxes” for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I am grateful to everyone who plays a part in keeping our community safe and healthy, and I appreciate everyone who ensures that the needs of those less fortunate are met. It is my hope that this Thanksgiving the entire North Haven community will come together in demonstrating a deep gratitude for what we do have, and band together to support one another wherever a need exists. Let us not forget to express gratitude for all of our local heroes this holiday season who continue to make sacrifices for the greater good of others during a global pandemic.

In an America that is divided on many fronts, I will continue to do my part to listen and advocate for all the people of North Haven – regardless of political affiliation, age, race, gender, or religion. We are the United States of America, and this year I encourage each of us to focus on being just that – united.

I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
State Representative Dave Yaccarino