Volunteers help deliver Thanksgiving meals so families can spend the holiday at home

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Most of us spend time with family, sitting around the table on Thanksgiving, but that’s not always possible for everyone. The founder of a local organization is leading a group of volunteers who are making that happen.

Delania Heller started a Facebook page called “Everyone needs a helping hand” designed to connect people to things they need.

“I started it just to help the community,” Heller said.

Heller and a group of volunteers are putting the word giving into Thanksgiving, packing boxes with a holiday dinner for families in need.

“This is the fourth year that we have done the Thanksgiving boxes,” Heller said.

It started with two families and this year they are helping 70 families. Every item they deliver is donated.

“Everyone came together and it is wonderful,” she said.

These families will have the ability to have Thanksgiving together in their home.

“We are able to provide everything they need to cook a Thanksgiving meal,” Heller said. “That is what it is all about.”

She said these volunteers’ reward is met at a home with a priceless smile.

“It means so much to me to be able to do this for people,” she said. “Next year I am thinking we are going to have more than 100.”

A box of food may seem small, but the reactions of the people who receive one prove it’s no small gift.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, but also about spending time with family. That’s not possible for everyone, but it’s made possible for 70 families by the actions of those thankful for the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

“Even if it’s just one toy you can purchase for a family around Christmastime,” Heller said. “Even if it’s just helping to provide a meal to somebody at Christmas time. It is going to change lives.”

For more information about “Everyone needs a helping hand” click here. Heller would also like to thank Festival Foods-Village, Family Video-La Crosse, American Legion Post 52, Hopey Hour, the Mussafir and Mannstedt families, Potato King, River City Chiropractic and many other community members for their donations to make this possible.

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