Local group feeds thousands during Thanksgiving season - East Idaho News
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Local group feeds thousands during Thanksgiving season

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IDAHO FALLS – A local nonprofit organization is providing thousands with meals this holiday season.

“(The) first year we were able to do 76 boxes for families in need. It’s just grown every year since then,” said Jarod Phillips, vice chair for the Turkey Box Fund.

The Turkey Box Fund has been an ongoing effort to help feed those in need during the Thanksgiving season. Organizers say they now have items to make some 850 boxes.

“If you would have told me when we started that we were going to be providing food for 5,000 people, I would have never ever suspected that you could be right,” Phillips said.

‘A labor of love’

Volunteers started at Winco, where they picked up more than 20,000 pounds of food. Winco also provided the group a $500 donation to help cover costs.

“There’s reason we do it year after year. This is our 16th, and we truly do love it. It’s a labor of love. We put forth a great deal of labor putting it together,” Phillips said.

Volunteers, including Skyline High School athletes, unloaded the food at Skyline High. The turkey boxes were assembled with a 14-pound turkey, stuffing, fresh potatoes, cranberries, yams and more.

“I just feel like it’s very humbling, and I can’t believe the support we get from the people in the community,” volunteer Tricia Scrogum said.

Phillips said he’s happy they can be making a difference this holiday season and hopes to continue to help those in need.

“We’re so thankful during this Thanksgiving season to do something that makes a difference for families in need,” Phillips said.

To learn more about Turkey Box efforts, go to its Facebook page. Those in need of Turkey Boxes need a voucher to collect one. Boxes can be picked up from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22.

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