ALTAMONT, N.Y. — In the spirit of giving and helping out the less fortunate, Guilderland Center Rehabilitation and Extended Care Facility will supply the Guilderland Food Pantry with all of its turkey needs for Thanksgiving on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Staff from the facility will also fan out across the region that morning to deliver complete Thanksgiving meals to disadvantaged local families.

“November is a month to give thanks,” said Guilderland Center Rehabilitation and Extended Care Facility Admissions Coordinator Wendy Decker. “We are thankful for this community and want to show our gratitude by giving back to those a who are less fortunate.

“Many people think that Guilderland is an affluent suburb, but New York State Education Department statistics reveal that a growing number of students in our school district come from economically disadvantaged homes,” she added. “With the holidays being such a stressful time of year, our hope is to take some of that burden off the plates of their families.”

Founded in 1972 and located in the basement of the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church (2291 Western Ave.), the Guilderland Food Pantry presently serves around 120 families, including approximately 100 children.

“Families or individuals can use this food pantry if they reside in Guilderland and receive food stamps and at least one other government program,” said Food Bank Director Sue Hennessey. “This includes unemployment; social security; Women, Infants, and Children; public housing; Medicaid; or Home Energy Assistance Program. They are also eligible if they are a victim of a disaster or fire, are out of work, or have an annual income that falls below the federal government’s poverty level.”

Hennessey noted that protein-based food items are always in demand at this time of year. This includes canned meat and fish, as well as prepared meals like beef stew and chili. “We also have a great need for non-food items such as paper goods and personal hygiene products,” she said.

For more information or to make a donation, call the Guilderland Food Pantry at 518-930-1001