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Holiday Hunger Assistance

November 12, 2020

United Way of the New River Valley is seeking individuals, companies and civic groups that are interested in joining us in the holiday spirit by participating in our Holiday Meal Box program. United Way has teamed up with local partner agencies: Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP), Radford Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) and Floyd County Emergency Assistance Program (FCEAP). The four agencies are working to provide local low-income families with Holiday Meal Boxes filled with holiday dinner essentials for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“There is a lot of need in the New River Valley, which is especially visible during the holiday season. Hunger is an issue in our community doesn’t simply go away or get solved by feeding a family once. Hunger is a perpetual need that requires a number of caring people to come together throughout the year to help our neighbors. The Holiday Meal Box programs offered through the United Way serves as a small way to bless families who otherwise would have to go without food during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.” states Sara Bohn, Executive Director of United Way.

In 2019, the United Way Holiday Meal Box efforts provided 794 individuals with a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal box. With partnerships and more community support, United Way aims to serve even more low-income families in our community this year that have not been served by partnering programs. United Way is anticipating that because of COVID-19 more people will need this program.  If you, your company or civic group are interested in participating in the Holiday Food Drive, please contact the United Way office. Together we can unite and make sure no family in our community goes without a meal during the holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office in Downtown Christiansburg, located at 111 West Main Street. Drop off hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Holiday Dinner Box Needs List:

  • Gift Cards for Frozen TurkeysCanned Veggies
  • Canned HamsYams
  • Corn Meal/Corn Muffin MixMarshmallows
  • FlourStuffing Mix
  • SugarInstant Mashed Potatoes
  • Canned FruitRice
  • Boxed Dessert MixesBox Macaroni and Cheese
  • Jell-OCanned Pumpkin
  • Pudding Mix
  • French’s Fried Onions

If you or someone you know is in need of a Holiday Meal Box, please contact the following partner agencies based upon the area you reside in for more information:

  • Montgomery County, Emergency Assistance Program at (540) 382-6186
  • Radford City, Emergency Assistance Program at (540) 320-7460
  • Floyd County, Emergency Assistance Program at (540) 745-2102

United Way’s holiday programs are sponsored by Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. To receive additional information about United Way’s Holiday Meal Box program or Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, head to unitedwaynrv.org/holidayfood or call (540) 381-2066.