Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — With Thanksgiving just days away, Bay Staters lined up outside the Catholic Charities Yockey Center food pantry in Dorchester while volunteers handed out food to needy families, who otherwise might go without the traditional Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.
It's been a challenging year for families in need, particularly those who rely on financial assistance to pay for food. The Catholic Charities partnered with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay to hand out 2200 turkeys and holiday meal kits to families Saturday to provide a sense of reprieve. Attendees included Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and the President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, Kelley Tuthill.
"We saw people lined up for their turkeys this morning as early as five, six in the morning because they're so concerned that they won't be able to take care of their family. It's very stressful," Tuthill said.
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Catholics Charities Boston saw a 32% increase in enrollment between September and October.
"This has been a year filled with anxiety for those who serve at Catholic Charities. All year long, not sure if a program they rely on to make sure that they can pay the bills or put food on the table is going to be there for them. So, they come to us." - Kelly
Marty Martinez, President and CEO of Mass Bay United Way said he was happy his organization is partnering with Catholic Charities to meet the needs of the residents across Eastern Massachusetts.
"I will do 10,000 bags today for Thanksgiving dinner, which is important, but clearly the need is even greater than that, but we're proud to be able to do that," Martinez said.
Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio
The Catholic Charities of Boston will distribute Thanksgiving meals until Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the additional sites listed below:
Monday, November 24:
- Catholic Charities Boston Thanksgiving Meal Distribution - Catholic Charities South, 169 Court St., Brockton
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Catholic Charities Boston Thanksgiving Meal Distribution - Catholic Charities Labouré Center, 275 West Broadway, South Boston
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25:
- Catholic Charities Boston Thanksgiving Meal Distribution - Catholic Charities Lynn Food Pantry - 8 Silsbee St., Lynn
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- CCAB Thanksgiving Meal Distribution - Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley, 70 Lawrence St., Lowell
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.