The Upshur Parish House is now accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals. Upshur County residents can pick up applications at the Parish House and submit them in person between October 14-25 at the Parish House in Buckhannon. Additionally, the Parish House Rock Cave location will be accepting applications on October 16 and 23 from 12-4 p.m., allowing neighbors to select this location for their holiday meal package pick-up.

Caroline Fulks, the assistant director of the Parish House, said the organization transitioned to the application process for holiday meals last Easter.

“The application process ensures we can provide to every family in need and helps us prepare packages more efficiently. We had success with the application process at Easter and we are excited to continue it for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Fulks said.

New applications are available at the Parish House, with one application covering both Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals. Families will be asked to provide proof of residency and income with the form. For applicants experiencing homelessness, the Parish House will waive the proof of residency requirement.

Applications must be submitted in-person between October 14-25 in Buckhannon and October 16 and 23 in Rock Cave. Families will be notified the week of November 4 regarding when their holiday meal package will be ready for pickup.

Fulks stated the Parish House is also accepting donations for the Holiday Meal program.

“Our goal is to ensure every family in Upshur County can gather and share a traditional meal together for the holidays. This would not be possible without the generous donations and support from our community,” Fulks said.

Thanksgiving meal packages will include a turkey, instant potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy, pie crust, canned pumpkin and evaporated milk. Christmas meal packages will include a ham, canned yams, corn, stuffing, beans, cake mix and frosting. Donations of these items can be accepted between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 68 College Avenue in Buckhannon. Monetary donations can be earmarked specifically for Holiday Meal Packages, another specific program or go toward the greatest need.