DELAWARE — Volunteers from the Interfaith Outreach United (I.O.U.) Thrift Store in the hamlet of Callicoon hosted a giveaway that consisted of donated turkeys and other related food items that were purchased and donated by several local organizations, including Kiwanis Clubs, local religious organizations, businesses, and private individuals on November 22 at the Delaware Youth Center in an effort to help those in need during the Thanksgiving season.

In total, 60 turkeys were donated and given away, along with 58 boxes of donated goods. Each box contains “everything you need to make Thanksgiving,” according to volunteers from the I.O.U.
The giveaway helped ensure the 249 individuals, around 58 families in total, who signed up for the drive would enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

“We’re here to help out in the community, help people who are down on their luck. We help with fuel oil, with rent, with food, electricity, all kinds of stuff,” said Sharon Schroeder, I.O.U. volunteer and Callicoon Kiwanis Club member.

“[The goal of the giveaway is] providing local families with a true Thanksgiving,” another volunteer told the Democrat as she assisted in loading food into a vehicle.

Members of the I.O.U. work to ensure accessibility of Thanksgiving food to families within the Sullivan West School District, and families in Pennsylvania up to 15 miles away from Callicoon through this annual event.

“There’s a real need in the area,” Schroeder said.

This giveaway is just one of the many events hosted by the I.O.U. over its 34 years of supporting the community. In December, the I.O.U. will host another annual event, a holiday toy giveaway for young children, which will take place on December 11 from noon to 2 p.m at the United Methodist Church Hall, Rte. 97, Callicoon.

Volunteers at the I.O.U. encourage those in need to sign up for the toy giveaway by December 8 by phone at (845) 887-5919, or stop in at 37 Main Street, Callicoon, on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.