Written by: John DeRousie, Custom Marketing Solutions
FULTON, NY – Staff and volunteers at Catholic Charities of Oswego County have been busy preparing for this year’s Thanksgiving food basket distribution.

Despite a downturn in donations, Catholic Charities’ food pantry will provide more than 250 families with all the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving meal.

“It has been a very challenging year,” said Helen Hoefer, supervisor of Catholic Charities’ Community Services Program. “Thanks to the generosity of businesses such as Fidelis, who supplied the distribution bags, employees of Constellation Energy Nuclear Group’s Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, who adopted families, and other community members we are able to continue to distribute Thanksgiving food baskets.”

Looking ahead to their Christmas food basket and toy distribution, Hoefer added that Catholic Charities is receiving a large amount of requests this holiday season.

“I encourage those who are able to consider donating non-perishable food items and / or children’s toys so that we will be able to help as many families as possible this Christmas,” said Hoefer.

She added that while Catholic Charities has partnered with the Oswego County Department of Social Services’ Children’s Fund and the United Way of Greater Oswego County to provide children in need with Christmas toys, the agency will again distribute Christmas food baskets.

For more information on Catholic Charities’ Christmas food distribution or the Children’s Fund, or to make a donation, call Hoefer at 315-598-3980.

Catholic Charities of Oswego County serves all people in need regardless of their religious affiliation.

Primary funding sources for Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s programs are the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the Diocesan Hope Appeal, the County of Oswego and private donations by individuals and local companies and organizations.