TIVERTON - In collaboration with the Tiverton Public Library, Pat Campion has spearheaded Amicable Congregational Church’s Thanksgiving Basket Mission Project this year, but she is quick to say it has been a group effort. This local mission has grown considerably from its initial beginning and Campion expected to provide over 160 families this year with a Thanksgiving meal.

“People don’t realize how much need there is,” she says. “Many think of Tiverton as an affluent community, but the need is significant.”

Besides members and friends of Amicable’s congregation contributing canned goods and other non-perishable items, local businesses and churches have also been very generous in providing support to this effort. The Tiverton Public Library held a Food for Fines drive leading up to the event offering patrons an opportunity for fine forgiveness to provide additional donations,

Volunteers from Amicable, Old Stone Baptist, Holy Trinity Episcopal, St. Christopher’s and St. Theresa’s churches came together at the Tiverton Public Library Community Room on Friday and Saturday to sort the assorted food items into baskets for delivery throughout the community. Typically, a “basket” will include peas, beans, corn, potatoes, squash, rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, fresh apples, home-made holiday breads, pie, and, of course, a turkey. In addition, this year families will receive items they aren’t able to purchase with food stamps; such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dish soap. A welcome bonus to many who are so grateful to be able to enjoy a wonderful feast with their loved ones.