The Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC) hosted its annual Thanksgiving food drive Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, inviting the public to help support local households. Over two days, dozens of volunteers — including students, families, longtime residents and first-timers — moved in and out of the Lakewood Masonic Temple to sort, bag and deliver food ahead of the holiday.
Since 1988, the nonprofit organization has provided holiday food bags to more than 5,000 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Throughout the year, LCAC raises funds to support these initiatives. What began as a small community project has grown into a reliable tradition, made possible entirely by volunteers. LCAC has no paid staff; every board member and event coordinator donates their time and expertise.
This year’s drive followed LCAC’s usual three-part structure: Friday afternoon sorting, Friday evening non-perishable bagging, and Saturday morning perishable packing and deliveries. By Saturday, cars lined up outside the Masonic Temple as volunteers loaded the last of the bags for delivery.
LCAC President Bruce Banfield explained the urgency of volunteering.
“The mission is to support those in our community who require these types of services and assistance,” Banfield said. “It’s important to help everyone in our community, especially those who need extra help at this time of year. Times have become so much more difficult for all of us. It’s important for us all to remember to be humble and care about everyone, not just those in our family or close circles.”
The economic strain families face was especially harsh this season.
“The cost of food has gone up at least 30% or more just from last year,” Banfield stated. “This is especially impactful for families that don’t have the extra funds for a dinner for their family, much less a special holiday dinner.”
LCAC’s holiday bags are designed to remove that pressure, offering families a complete meal during a time when budgets are already overextended.
Among the many volunteers was junior Frances Kaletta, working with H2O, another Lakewood service organization. For her, the event was eye-opening.
“This was my first time at one of the food drives, and I had no idea that so many people would come to support. It was really nice seeing it all come together,” Kaletta said.
One of the moments that stood out most to Banfield this year came at the event’s conclusion.
“For me, it was the chance to do a delivery,” Banfield said. “It is one of the greatest things to see and feel these people receive the heartfelt wishes from their community. We can only hope it gives them a light of hope.”
As LCAC wraps up its Thanksgiving event, the organization turns its attention to the upcoming Winter Food Drive on Dec. 19-20. Students, families and neighbors are encouraged to participate.
While volunteer turnout has stayed steady over the years, LCAC still faces challenges.
“We’re always short of volunteers for the Christmas food drive,” Banfield said. “Especially for deliveries. We really could use more help for the December drive.”
Every hand helps create a lasting impact on local families, especially during the holiday season.
“We need the whole community to come out again and help us do it again,” Banfield said. “We want people to participate and be part of their community. Volunteer. There are many organizations here in Lakewood that need help.”
Jumping headfirst into volunteering is the best way to start. Bring a friend or neighbor, or go alone. As Banfield put it, “All you need to do is ask to help.”
