West Virginia University's Alumni Association has adopted a needy family this Thanksgiving as part of the Rock Forge Neighborhood House Inc.'s Thanksgiving Blessings Project.
This is the first time the Alumni Association has participated in the project. They donated food and adopted a family of five.
Preparation for the Thanksgiving Blessings Project began in early October, and the House accepted donations until Wednesday.
The Project will now arrange Thanksgiving baskets and give them to the needy. Money received will be used to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for the families.
Rock Forge Neighborhood House Inc. is a nonprofit agency of the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.
It exists to develop community and personal responsibilities through multi-generational programs that support those in need, according to its mission statement.
"The Thanksgiving Blessing Project has evolved from its conception, but we have been helping families in West Virginia for over a decade now," said Alexis McMillen, executive director of the agency.
Selection of needy families is based on the total income and the number of family members, she added.
Families must provide some documentation of their need to be eligible for benefits.
"Almost 113 families from Preston County have been adopted by the Neighborhood House for the Thanksgiving
Blessing Project," said Jane Skavinsky, the agency's program assistant.
The Neighborhood House also plans to have a Christmas project, but has not yet found sponsors.
Anyone interested should contact Alexis McMillen at alexis@rfnh.org.
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