First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa Hosting Thanksgiving Bag Ministry

BALLSTON SPA — The First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa is organizing an ecumenical Thanksgiving bag ministry to provide items for a Thanksgiving dinner to families in need.

Families can sign up to receive a Thanksgiving bag through church food pantries at the following locations:

• First Baptist Church (202 Milton Avenue) Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 

• Christ Episcopal Church (15 West High Street) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m.

• United Methodist Church (101 Milton Avenue) Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The signup period runs through Nov. 18. Distribution of the Thanksgiving bags will take place Nov. 21 from Noon to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 22 West High St.

Last year’s Thanksgiving bag ministry provided over 100 dinners to families in need, according to a flier advertising the event.

A suggested list of items is also available for those who wish to donate to the Thanksgiving bags. Suggested items include:

• $10 gift card to a local grocery store or an 8-14 pound frozen turkey

• Two boxes of seasoned stuffing mix

• Two boxes of instant mashed potatoes

• Two cans of gravy (no glass)

• Three to four cans of vegetables

• One can of cranberry sauce

• One boxed dessert mix

Bags and turkeys can be delivered to the First Presbyterian Church on Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are tax deductible, the release says, if the receipt is saved and attached to a signed tax receipt available at the church on the dropoff date.

The First Presbyterian is also seeking volunteers to assist with distributing the bags on Nov. 21. Those who are interested can contact the Church at 518-885-5583 or email ballstonpres@gmail.com.