This Thanksgiving, 2,721 families were able to celebrate with a turkey on the table thanks to the countless volunteers and supporters at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

One in seven people in the state of Kansas are food insecure–meaning they struggle to put food on the table.  While that can be a tense situation to face on a daily basis, the stress is often compounded during the holidays.

Thanks to area churches who hosted turkey drives, including Church of the Ascension, Curé of Ars, Divine Mercy, Holy Cross, Holy Trinity, St. Ann’s and St. Michael the Archangel, some of that stress was alleviated by providing turkeys to 2,721 families in need.  That’s nearly 600 more families than last year!

While families lined up at our 8 food pantries, other area groups including, Second Baptist Church in KCK, Villa St. Francis, Sister Servants of Mary, Catholic Charities’ Friendly Visitors and the Knights of Columbus in Osawatomie helped distribute food to families in need.

In addition to turkeys, nearly 53,000 pounds of fresh produce was distributed.