Binghamton, NY – With overwhelming support from the community, the inaugural Holiday Giving Box program will help feed 85 local families this week. With more people facing hunger this year as a result of the pandemic, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo enlisted the help of CHOW and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County for the inaugural initiative.

“The spirit of giving in this community never ceases to amaze me,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “Whenever our neighbors find themselves in a tough spot, the people of Broome County are quick to rally and lend a hand. A heartfelt thank you to CHOW and CCE for their help with this effort, and to everyone who donated. This has been a tough year for everyone, but the generosity we saw through this initiative helps end 2020 on a hopeful note.”

Each holiday giving box includes a turkey, side dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce, locally grown potatoes, carrots, onions, and squash, as well as pies purchased from a local vendor. An online fundraiser was set up to support the initiative, with a goal of raising enough to provide full meals to 50 families. Tremendous support from donors quickly surpassed that goal and, in the end, enough money was raised to provide 85 meals for more than 300 people throughout the community.

"The Holiday Giving Box initiative has once again shown the character of our community,” said Les Aylesworth, CHOW Director. “To see our original goal of 50 boxes surpassed by the generosity of folks here in Broome County reminds us that this truly is a season for giving.  CHOW is honored to partner with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Cornell Cooperative Extension to help these 85 families' holidays hopefully be a little brighter."

“We are truly grateful for the community's response to the Holiday Giving Box initiative,” said Beth Roberts, Executive Director of CCE Broome County. “What a positive way to say goodbye to 2020 as we work together to take good care of community. We are also grateful for the partnerships with CHOW and Assemblywoman Lupardo for their vision and contributions to pilot this initiative. We look forward to growing this opportunity next year.”

Lupardo, CHOW, and CCE are planning to make the Holiday Giving Boxes an annual effort and have already begun making arrangements for the 2021 initiative.