The comforts of home for the holidays

By SARAH KOENIG

MILFORD — For the past four years, Kristine Henigan has been witnessing first hand how poverty can affect people during the holidays, and how taking the time to care can make a world of difference.

She is current president of a group at Delaware Valley High School called the “Junior Historians,” which, for more than a decade, has helped to serve food at the Salvation Army in Port Jervis on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“It’s a great experience,” she said. “We’re going this Wednesday, from 8:30 in the morning until after 3:00 in the afternoon. There’s usually between 10 or 15 people in the group, and we all help out.”

The group’s faculty advisor, Tom Burns, said that the group’s involvement with the Salvation Army, and its commitment to helping those in need, came from a lack of such outlets in the school.

“I noticed when I first came here that we didn’t have anything for the kids that was community-service oriented. So I changed the parameters of the Junior Historians’ Club to fill that void.” So far, it’s been a huge success.

“The kids love it,” Burns said. “It gives them a real sense of pride. And until recently, nobody even knew we were doing it. That way, we’re sure to be doing it for the right reasons.”

Other organizations in the area are also taking the time to care, including:

Tom’s Kitchen in Monticello, which is holding a sit-down meal on Thanksgiving Day (845/791-5203).

Interfaith Outreach United, which is giving out Thanksgiving food baskets to needy families (845/887-5919).

Saint Ann’s Church in Shohola, which is giving out Thanksgiving food baskets on Thanksgiving Day, 12:30 p.m. (570/559-7422).

First Presbyterian Church in Milford, which is having its yearly Thanksgiving meal and will deliver food to the homebound (570/296-4711) .

Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, which is hosting a meal on Thanksgiving Day, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (845/887-5450).

The Holy Trinity Food Pantry, who will help needy families have a happy Thanksgiving (570/828-7411).

Bushkill Outreach Program, whose regular food distribution will include turkeys and trimmings (570/588-0660).

Manna in Hemlock Farms, who will also be doing Thanksgiving baskets (570/775-9774).

Sullivan County Chapter of the Salvation Army, which is giving out food baskets (845/794-2268).

The Federation for the Homeless, which will also be giving out turkeys, will initiate a new program to deliver meals to several families that are medically unable to prepare meals (845/794-2604).

Monticello Central School and Monticello Kiwanis Club, which are giving away food baskets from names provided by the United Way of Sullivan County (845/794-1771).

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Woodbourne, which will be distributing turkeys to families in their area (845/434-5615).

Saint Francis Xavier RC in Narrowsburg and Our Lady of the Lake RC in Lake Huntington, which will be giving out turkeys and food baskets (845/252-6681).

If you are interested in donating turkeys or food, call the United Way of Sullivan County at 845/794-1771.