(2021)
The COVID pandemic continues to have an overwhelming impact on each of our lives, especially those who are less fortunate. Since 2008, we’ve done our best to feed hungry folks at Thanksgiving and the plan this year, despite the pandemic, is to continue that tradition.
However, this pandemic has created numerous challenges for our beloved charity. We have discussed the implications of hosting thousands of volunteers at the Convention Center safely and agreed that it is impossible this year, yet we also know that there are families counting on us. Additionally, we recognise that fundraising will be especially difficult this year. With that in mind, we’ve come up with the following plan to feed families in the best way we can this Thanksgiving.
CBB will purchase 4,000 turkeys (500 more than last year) and distribute these through a voucher/redemption system assisted by Communities in Schools (CIS), Piggly Wiggly and Momentum Marketing. That will cost approximately $68,500 and we need your fundraising assistance now more than ever.
All recipients have been assigned to individual and large group pick ups at local Piggly Wiggly stores throughout the area. This eliminates the need for assembly and delivery volunteers. We took extra care to ensure that Piggly Wiggly stores are logistically as close as possible to our recipient families. We have created both an individual voucher, as well as large group pick up system.
Each family will receive an individual voucher to redeem a turkey between Tuesday, November 16th – Tuesday, November 23rd at preassigned Piggly Wiggly stores. We’ve done our very best to include all of the individuals and organizations that received a meal last year. At this time all 4,000 turkeys have been assigned and we are sadly unable to add any new recipients to our 2021 list.
As you can imagine, the families we serve have been hit hard financially during the pandemic and CIS has been instrumental in providing assistance to many families in our tri-county school system; both before COVID and even more since. Piggly Wiggly will be raising money at four local stores offering a “change roundup” at the cash registers so we can provide additional support to CIS beyond Thanksgiving as economic hardships continue. 100% of the money collected at checkout will be donated to feed these families. We hope this additional fundraising effort will go a long way in the unpredictable months to come.
For more than a decade, this community has championed the Charleston Basket Brigade. We cannot express in words how much your support, fundraising, volunteer efforts and dedication have meant to us, as well as to our Lowcountry community. YOU make a tremendous impact in the lives of thousands in need every Thanksgiving. The Basket Brigade would not be possible without you. Thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts.
Like everything else this year… we will be doing things a little differently, however, we are counting on you to help us make the Basket Brigade the success that it continues to be each year. To follow along with this year’s updates and to learn how you can help impact local families this Thanksgiving, please follow us on Instagram at @charlestonbasketbrigade and on Facebook at Charleston Basket Brigade.
We are both united in the hope that next year our charitable operation will resume as it has in previous years; the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Until then, fundraising is critical as we embark upon an abbreviated 2021 Basket Brigade. We need your help now more than ever to reach our $68,500 goal and we appreciate your support so very much.
A $30.00 donation buys roughly two turkeys; feeding two families, in what has become a very unusual year.
100% of your donation will go towards purchasing turkeys. We invite and encourage you to contribute via our website by clicking here or write a check. Please mail checks payable to: Charleston Basket Brigade, 295 Seven Farms Drive, Suite C-227, Charleston, SC 29492
WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE…MAGIC HAPPENS.
With sincere gratitude,
Michelle Scarafile Wallace and Pam Hartley