Registration now underway for Warwick Ecumenical Council's holiday basket program

Warwick — Once again this year, the Warwick Ecumenical Council is sponsoring its Thanksgiving/Christmas Food Basket Program for people who live in the Town of Warwick. In 2010, the council distributed more than 230 baskets at Thanksgiving and more than 260 baskets at Christmas to families in need of assistance. “We anticipate an increase in the number of individuals and families who will sign up for baskets this year, due in large part to the struggling economy and local flooding and hurricane damage,” said Amy Lawlor from the Warwick Ecumenical Council Food Basket Program in a press release announcing the new campaign. “We have already seen a huge increase in the use of the Food Pantry.” Registration Families or individuals wishing to sign up for a basket can do so at the Warwick United Methodist Church, 135 Forester Ave., every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The last dates to sign up are: Nov. 10 for Thanksgiving and Dec. 8 for Christmas. The program is for Town of Warwick residents only. Two proofs of identification and town residency are required to register to receive baskets. A bill showing name and physical address qualifies; post office box addresses are not acceptable. Farm workers should bring a letter from the school their children attend, an electric bill or a letter from their employer verifying their address. How to support There are many ways to support the program: Individuals, or groups may adopt a family and provide baskets and gifts You can collect food or new toys for the council’s Christmas Shoppe You can make a cash donation You may volunteer to help on the days the baskets are distributed - Nov. 22 and Dec. 22 - at the Warwick United Methodist Church. Also, if anyone in your organization knows of a Warwick family in need, encourage them to sign up. For more informatio, call 986-4457 or 986-8947.