NAM was racing with activity and excitement on Saturday, December 15 as staff and volunteers gathered to distribute food to over 1,000 families and toys to more than 2,000 children.

Families received bags filled with food needed to prepare a complete holiday meal with all the trimmings, including a turkey, gravy, canned vegetables and soup, stuffing, potatoes, butter, eggs, dessert mix, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Families with children ages 12 and under received a bag of three to five age-appropriate toys for each child.

The items distributed were collected as part of NAM’s annual Holiday Project, which provides local families in need with food and toys for the holiday season. Registration for the Holiday Project began in September, and those meeting eligibility requirements were given food vouchers to redeem for holiday meals in both November and December. Families with children 12 and under were also given toy vouchers.

The Holiday Project is a huge undertaking, with donations and financial support coming from organizations and individuals alike. Local congregations filled thousands of toy bags and PV Fluid Products delivered over 1,800 turkeys. Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly over the past few months, registering eligible families and collecting and sorting donations.

“Too many children in our community don’t have the same childhood that many of us were blessed with,” said Les Cave, NAM’s President and CEO. “Thanks to all of the donations of food and toys that NAM received, we were able to provide families with some relief and a bit of holiday cheer.”

Cave also expressed his appreciation to everyone involved who worked to make sure NAM’s Holiday Project was a success. “It would not have been possible without the generous support of businesses, congregations, and individuals in our community who contributed their time and resources,” he said. “It was heartwarming to see everyone come together during the holiday season to help our neighbors in need.”