Many neighbors are helping their neighbors this Thanksgiving, providing food baskets to hundreds of families, according to Roberta Steinle of the city’s department of human services.

Steinle coordinates Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which matches those in need of assistance with donors within the community. The program, financed through donations, seeks to ensure all those in need are helped and avoid duplication of baskets.

While financial donations to the program are lagging, the outpouring of baskets is remarkable.

In her report, Steinle said St. Gregory the Great Church is preparing 150 baskets; St. Kevin and St. Benedict Churches have partnered to prepare 70 baskets; Sts. Rose & Clement will provide 50 baskets; St. Rita is providing 25 baskets and St. Peter is providing 20 baskets. Pickups are slated for today at all the churches named.

Many of the same churches have plans to distribute baskets at Christmas.

“All of the baskets for Thanksgiving are spoken for, so basically, for Thanksgiving, we are helping 315 families and 273 individuals for a total of 588. All of the families will be receiving the baskets and the individuals (mostly seniors and disabled) will receive a $20 gift card to Stop & Shop,” Steinle reported. 

Neighbors purchase gift cards with donations received from last year, as well as the money collected for casual Friday. 

All told Steinle reported the purchase of 870 $20.00 gift cards totaling $16,530.00 (the program receives a 5 percent discount). This compares to 1,000 gift cards bought with $19,000 in donations last year. Cards not distributed during the holidays are used throughout the year to help families in crisis and seeking emergency assistance, Steinle explains.

She said cash donations are off to a slow start this year with $2,120 having been received to date.

As a partner in Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Warwick Beacon publishes a running list of donors. The newspaper also serves as a collection point for donations that can be dropped off at or mailed to its office at 1944 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889.