MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - It's that time of year again, and some residents can expect to receive their holiday food basket delivered to their door soon.

Every year, Meridian Township enrolls residents and families that are below 150% of the poverty level for holiday food baskets.

Meridian Township's Human Services Specialist Darla Jackson coordinates the program, which has been going on for the last 30 years.

"I think it's a great way for the community to show their support to people that are less fortunate," says Jackson.

According to Jackson, each holiday food basket consists of everything one would need for a nice holiday meal during Thanksgiving and the December holidays, plus a few extras, including bread, milk and eggs.

"People don't realize how thinly stretched (others) can be," explained Jackson. "For example, seniors especially during the holidays can struggle to pay for their medications and their groceries and any Christmas gifts they're giving away."

Jackson also says that the holidays can be hard times on families.

"For a lot of these families, they get free or reduced lunch during the school year, but during these two weeks of holidays you still have kids at home that don't get that free lunch."

Right now, Jackson says Thanksgiving food baskets are pretty well covered, however, they could use more sponsors for the December holidays. A total of 80 households are still un-sponsored. Both sponsors and township staff deliver holiday food baskets to residents right before Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Since December sponsorships are low, Jackson says residents who would like to help can do so by donating items such as Meijer gift cards, turkeys, hams and canned goods. Donations can be dropped off at the Township Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road, Okemos). The deadline for donations is Dec. 15th.

Jackson says for families or individuals to receive a holiday food basket they must live in Meridian Township and meet the income requirements.