With Thanksgiving just two days away, the Family-to-Family food basket program is short $13,000, program coordinator Mary Lou Burne said Monday.
Still, the shortage won't prevent the organization from providing $85,000 worth of food to 15,000 people Wednesday.
"We know there are plenty of families and children out there that need to be fed," Ms. Burne said. "We will do our best to make sure no one is hungry this holiday season."
Starting Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center, the more than 650 volunteers will hand out 3,000 baskets filled with stuffing, turkey, rolls and canned cranberries.
The fresh food allows families the opportunity to cook in the comfort of their own home, and the leftovers should last them through the weekend, Ms. Burne said.
"Our goal is to keep families together and in their home on the holiday," Ms. Burne said. "We want to give them a bounty of food - something they might not be fortunate enough to have on a regular basis."
For anyone interested in donating, checks can be made out to Family-to-Family and sent to 444 Orchard St., Scranton, PA 18505.
The program is encouraging families to donate $25, or enough to feed one family.
"I know the people in this community will rally to make up the shortage," Ms. Burne said. "We've been doing this for more than 25 years, and the bill has always gotten paid."
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