Broome County, NY – Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, CHOW, Broome-Tioga BOCES School Nutrition Services, The Leadership Alliance, and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar joined together to issue a final call for donations to the Holiday Giving Box program, an initiative that provides complete holiday meals to local families. Fundraising efforts have been underway for the last month and close on December 19th with a goal to provide 425 boxes. 35 of the boxes will be distributed to local veterans using funds from the Broome County Veterans Project.

Boxes will include a turkey, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, and sparkling cider, all provided by CHOW. Dessert will be sourced from area bakeries, and produce including potatoes, carrots, onions, squash, and apples will be purchased from local farmers to be included in the boxes. Partners will gather the week of December 16^th to assemble and distribute the boxes. Information on the Holiday Giving Boxes will be available at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market during market hours.

A donation of $50 will provide one entire meal for a family, but donations of any amount are accepted and appreciated. To donate, visit the Just Giving Web site.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “My office is proud to be working alongside dedicated community partners on the Holiday Giving Boxes drive. Now in its fifth year, this annual tradition addresses a real need in the community, while also supporting local farmers and bakeries. With food insecurity so high in our county, this is one way to raise awareness, while making the holidays a little easier for many families.”

Les Aylesworth, Director of CHOW said, “Times continue to be hard for those who struggle to make ends meet. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but that can’t happen if you’re hungry. That is why CHOW is proud to partner with these great organizations working together to bring love and hope to so many families in a box – a Holiday Giving Box!”

Tara Kenyon, Associate Director of Programs, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County said, "CCE Broome is honored to continue our involvement in this initiative for the fifth consecutive year. In addition to helping families within our community in need, the Holiday Giving Box also supports our local farmers by procuring fresh produce that enhances the nutritional value of holiday meals."

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “The County is happy to provide additional funds to support 35 local veteran families to receive a Holiday Giving Box. This time of year is difficult for many in our community, and we will continue to look for opportunities to support local veterans and their families.”

Julie Raway, Registered Dietitian, B-T BOCES School Nutrition Services said, “We want to ensure that all students and their families enjoy a delicious holiday meal this season while supporting local farmers by incorporating their fresh products into the holiday giving boxes.”

Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, said “The Leadership Alliance is excited to partner with the Holiday Giving Box team once again to bring warm, nutritious meals to our Broome County families in need this holiday season. With our corporate sponsorship opportunities, we challenge the business community to get involved and help us to reach our goal of serving 425 families in 2024.”