United Way of Central Maryland’s Harvest of Plenty Provides Healthy Thanksgiving Meals to Those in Need

From the United Way of Central Maryland:

While many in Harford County are struggling to make ends meet during these challenging economic times, United Way of Central Maryland’s Harvest of Plenty program will provide low-income families with all of the items needed for a special Thanksgiving meal this year.

Now in its 20th year, United Way’s Harvest of Plenty goal is to provide 300 low-income families in Harford County with Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. A $12 donation helps feed a family of six this Thanksgiving. Throughout central Maryland, United Way will provide 3,000 families with Thanksgiving meal boxes, which will be available for pick-up at sites across the region during the week leading up to the holiday.

Donations are being accepted through Friday, November 16, and may be made online at uwcm.org/thanksgiving or by mailing a check (made payable to United Way of Central Maryland with “Harvest of Plenty” in the memo line) to United Way of Central Maryland Community Partnership of Harford County, 108 South Bond Street, Bel Air, Maryland 21014.

“It’s amazing that donating just $12 helps to feed a family of six a full Thanksgiving meal,” said George Heidelmaier, current board member and former co-chair of United Way of Central Maryland’s Harford County Partnership Board. “What a great feeling to help right here in our own community and support families who cannot afford a favorite meal of the year. Together, we can make a great Thanksgiving for everyone.”

Harvest of Plenty is part of United Way’s Access to Healthy Food Initiative, which expands access to healthy, affordable food to food insecure central Marylanders, and is made possible by 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland and generous donors.

More than 300,000 central Marylanders don’t know where their next meal will come from or if it will come at all. Short-term solutions to chronic hunger are as crucial as systemic ones. Last year through Harvest of Plenty, 300 Harford County families received Thanksgiving dinners among the 2,500 provided throughout the region.

United Way of Central Maryland, the region’s human service leader for nearly 90 years, works to bring financial stability, good health and self-sufficiency to Harford Countians and other central Marylanders facing poverty through results-driven programs. Working with volunteer experts in Harford County helps United Way to better understand the needs and area resources, both private and public. These experts assist the Harford County Partnership Board to help “fill the gaps” to ensure every donor dollar does the most good. For more information, visit www.uwcm.org.