The Upshur Parish House is now accepting request forms for its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meal packages. Upshur County residents may pick up and submit forms in person at the Parish House in Buckhannon between Oct. 13–24, or at the Rock Cave location on Oct. 15 and 22 from 12–4 p.m. Neighbors may choose to pick up their holiday meal package at either location.
“The request process has been very successful in improving the efficiency and impact of our Holiday Meal Package program,” said Caroline Fulks, assistant director of the Parish House. “By collecting requests in advance, we are able to tailor the packages to fit the needs of our neighbors and ensure every family in need can receive a Holiday Meal Package. We have also expanded our packages to include spices, pans, and other cooking utensils families might need when preparing their holiday meals.”
There is one form for both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and neighbors must submit a new form this year — even if they have received a holiday meal package in the past. In addition to the completed form, families will be asked to provide proof of Upshur County residency and income. If an applicant is experiencing homelessness, the proof of residency requirement will be waived.
The Parish House is also accepting donations to support the Holiday Meal Package program. “Our goal is to ensure every family in Upshur County can gather and share a traditional holiday meal together,” Fulks said. “This would not be possible without the generous donations and support from our community.”
Thanksgiving meal packages will include turkey, instant potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy, pie crust, canned pumpkin and evaporated milk. Christmas meal packages will include ham, instant potatoes, corn, stuffing, green beans, gravy, cake mix and frosting.
Donations of these items may be dropped off on weekdays between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 68 College Avenue in Buckhannon. Monetary donations can also be designated for Holiday Meal Packages, other Parish House programs or general needs.