Thanksgiving Basket Donations

press release: The Goodman Community Center’s Thanksgiving Basket Drive begins distributing baskets this weekend, and they still need help to provide groceries for 4,000 Dane County families.

“It’s crunch time for us,” said Francesca Frisque, GCC food pantry coordinator. “Donations from food drives and community members are coming in, but we still need a lot of help if we’re going to fill 4,000 Thanksgiving baskets.”

For the last 32 years, the Goodman Center has provided Dane County families with everything they need to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. This year, to meet the high demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Center has set a goal of 4,000 baskets. The Center has already fulfilled its need for broth and canned fruit, and they’re more than halfway to their turkey goal. However, there’s still a lot that needs to come in.

“I’m here with volunteers all week accepting donations,” said Frisque. “I’m hopeful we’ll be able to meet our goal, but it’s going to take a lot of help from our community to get there.”

Community members who would like to donate food are encouraged to check the Goodman Center’s website at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving to see what is still needed. The Center is updating their Canned Food Countdown regularly there, as well as on their social media profiles. 

Drop off food donations – contact-free – at the Goodman Center gym (149 Waubesa St.) during these hours: 

• Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov. 17 & 18 » 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.   
• Thursday, Nov. 19 » 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.   
• Friday, Nov. 20 » 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.   
• Saturday-Monday, Nov. 21 – 23 » 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Those who can’t drop off food can make a financial gift online at goodmancenter.org. The Center will shop for last-minute needs later in the week.

The Goodman Center is taking the coronavirus very seriously, following strict pandemic safety guidelines to ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, basket recipients and community members. All food donations will be made curbside and contact-free.