The United Church of Chester is collecting donations for Thanksgiving baskets to be distributed to local families in need ahead of the holiday. Though the larger part of the effort is coordinated by Chester Social Services Director Rosie Bininger, the church collects turkeys and gift cards to Adams grocery store in Deep River in the denomination of $10 or more.

“We used to provide the whole meal, but that gets tricky,” said Brenda Johnson, the church’s outreach chair. “We used to get a lot of the donated items brought back to the soup kitchen because people didn’t like items or had food sensitivities.

“By providing the gift cards instead of other parts of the meal, this year, people who receive these baskets can have what they want for Thanksgiving,” continued Johnson.

Johnson and a three-member committee from the church are coordinating putting together 40 baskets for the Chester community, working with Bininger to identify where the need in the community is. The church’s youth group will also be baking pumpkin bread to add to each basket.

“It’s important to give back,” said Johnson, “because you never know when you might be the one who will need help. A lot of people in Chester understand this. The community is so giving and likes to reach out.

“I don’t think people realize that there are so many people in need in the town, and that the need is getting greater,” continued Johnson, who also volunteers with the soup kitchen.

Gift cards can be dropped off at the United Church of Chester’s office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of turkeys or turkey breasts can be brought to the church on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 29 West Main Street. For more information call the church office at 860-526-2697 or contact Rosie Bininger at Chester Town Hall by calling 860-526-0013 ext. 213 for more ways to help the community this holiday season.