Avera McKennan's Harvest of Hope Reaches Out to Families in Need

SIOUX FALLS (Oct. 28, 2009) - Avera McKennan invites people in the community to participate in its annual "Harvest of Hope" to help families in need at Thanksgiving.

"Harvest of Hope is an opportunity to help area families have a happy Thanksgiving by providing them with all the ingredients for a home-cooked meal, as well as some kitchen staples," said Jennifer Grossman, director of volunteer services at Avera McKennan. Last year, Avera McKennan employees provided more than 350 gift boxes to 212 families, helping over 1,000 people.

Participating in Harvest of Hope involves these easy steps:

• Go shopping for gift box items. Estimated cost of the Thanksgiving Dinner ingredients is $45, and estimated cost for all the staple items is $55, although these items are optional. Please see the lists below.
• The gift box should include a gift certificate for a turkey or ham. These certificates are for sale for $13 at the Avera McKennan front desk or The Gift Store.
• Pack gift items in boxes so that they are stackable for delivery.
• Bring gift boxes to Volunteer Services, in the basement of Avera McKennan or the Salvation Army, 800 N. Cliff Ave., by Nov. 19. Deliveries will be made to families on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Harvest of Hope supports Avera McKennan's goal to encourage volunteerism in the community. "It's a special way in which we can live out our gospel values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship," Grossman said. "We are appreciative of all the people who are willing to share of their own time, talent and treasures to make someone else's holiday special."

Salvation Army is gathering names of families in need.  If you know of a family that would benefit, please have them call the Salvation Army at 338-6649. If you have questions about participating in Harvest of Hope, please e-mail volunteering@mckennan.org or call Volunteer Services at (605) 322-7897.

Please ensure that items are not outdated. Food should be in boxes, cans or jars. Homemade food items cannot be accepted.