Some families in the Clearwater area had a happy Thanksgiving because of the generosity of people and businesses in the community.

 

Monday, the Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf handed out Thanksgiving baskets to 88 area families.

 

“It’s everything they need for a Thanksgiving meal,” said food shelf coordinator Karie Gohman.

 

Each basket was put together by volunteers, and included vegetables, rice, cereal, fruit, bread, margarine, salad, pastries, milk, whipped topping and all the fixins’ for a traditional Thanksgiving.

 

Coborn’s donated 62 turkeys. Second Harvest, which provided much of the food, added a few more turkeys. Those who didn’t get a turkey got a meat voucher.

There were also fresh potatoes, donated by Gary and Bill Kiffmeyer, and bakery items from Kwik Trip.

 

Gohman said the number of families requesting food was down this Thanksgiving.

 

“I think what we’re finding is, some families go elsewhere for Thanksgiving,” she said, “and maybe the economy is boosting things so there isn’t as much of a need.”

 

Volunteers spent the morning hours putting the meals together. The Clearwater Legion Riders gave a big donation to cover the cost of the boxes.

 

Another group of volunteers handed out the baskets Monday evening and helped carry some of the food to vehicles.

 

“We have some new volunteers. They’re very excited about being able to help this time,” said Gohman.

 

The community also helped out with their generosity throughout the year.

 

“We were truly blessed this year. We had a large anonymous donation and businesses gave donations. This community is amazing,” said Gohman. “When the world is a little turbulent, the small town shows through.”