By Stephanie McElfresh, Safe & Stable Families/Homemakers Counselor
During the months of November and December, the Workforce and Social Services Department coordinated with Administration, Child Development and employees across the Nation to put together a total of 700 holiday food baskets. There were 350 baskets for Thanksgiving and 350 baskets for Christmas. Employees generously donated from throughout the Tribe to ensure our bigger household sizes received more food than “just a meal.” Having these holiday baskets available for families in need helps to take at least one stress away from families during such a trying time for everyone.
Each family that received a food basket received either a ham or turkey and all the fixings for a breakfast, main meal and a secondary meal as well as a few extra items to help. CPN staff and a few service organizations completed referral forms nominating recipients for a food basket. All referrals are vetted so there are no duplications. As a team, we worked together for the greater good of the community. We have several departments that donated their time and volunteered to help prepare the baskets. Our heartfelt THANK YOU to all who contributed or participated. It is very heartwarming to see, hear, and know together we made a difference in so many households.
Find Citizen Potawatomi Nation Workforce Development & Social Services online at cpn.news/workforce.