When a group of friends from the Poconos sat on a porch chatting over coffee, they realized something had to be done. With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in limbo and the holiday season fast approaching, many local families were facing a Thanksgiving without a proper meal. That concern, Angelina Filippini said, is what inspired her and her friends to take action.
Filippini said they wanted to make sure every family in their community could experience the warmth of a real Thanksgiving dinner. “We know there are a lot of local organizations doing wonderful things, but an extra helping hand is always good,” she said. “We decided to pull together and set up donations in our area.”
For Filippini, the drive is personal. She says she doesn’t have a big family herself, but she’s surrounded by wonderful friends she can lean on. “Some people have family to go to, and some people don’t,” she said. “We were just thinking about the people who don’t, maybe a single mom who can’t provide a meal for her kids because of benefits being cut.”
The goal, she said, is simple: to make sure everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year. “Every child deserves the feeling of a real holiday, and every parent deserves the relief of knowing dinner is taken care of,” Filippini said.
So far, the group has received a strong response. Twelve families have already reached out for help, and donations continue to pour in. They’re collecting items such as canned green beans, instant mashed potatoes, yams and frozen turkeys.
Local businesses have also stepped up. Drop-off locations include the Blakeslee Pharmacy, the Tobyhanna Township office and Wee Wons Daycare. Filippini said she and her friends personally visited each business to explain their mission, and the support was immediate.
“We just went in, told them what we were doing, and they were on board,” she said. “My friends and I wrapped boxes in my basement and dropped them off at the locations. Every night my 8-year-old son Jace and my friends help collect donations.”
Filippini said it’s not just about the food; it’s about spreading kindness. “I don’t feel like anybody should be alone,” she said. “Knowing there’s someone down the road willing to help, and that you can make a difference in someone’s life, makes it more personal. You get to know your neighbors.”
No matter where you’re from, Filippini said, anyone can get involved by donating, volunteering or helping families receive meals. Donations for the Neighbors Thanksgiving Dinner Drive will be accepted from Nov. 3 to Nov. 21, and pickups will be at the Blakeslee Community Center on Nov. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.
For more information, call 570-994-9055 or search for “Neighbors Thanksgiving Dinner Drive” on Facebook.
