Neighborhood watch group donating meals to needy

ALBANY, Ga. — As a way of looking out for those in need, the East Albany Colonial Village Neighborhood Watch group is using the holiday season to give back.

The group recently received $1,100 in donations from various entities, which the group says it will use to purchase Thanksgiving dinners for roughly 30 families in the area.

Harold Williams, president of the neighborhood watch group, said officials from the Division of Family and Children Services are working to find those nearby who may be low on food stamps so the group can compile food baskets for them at $35 apiece.

In the meantime, the group will buy the necessary items and fill the boxes, and on Nov. 20 have them ready to be picked up from Williams’ residence in time for the families to prepare the meals for Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 22.

Holy Victory Deliverance Temple and Triple Diamond Lounge were among those that contributed to the cause.

Last year, the group donated $200 to DFCS. This year, its officials decided to do something different.

“This was what we wanted to do,” Williams said. “We wanted to try to make a difference.”

Currently, the group is in the process of ordering the turkeys — as well as other food items — from area stores for the baskets.

Meanwhile, DFCS is working to collect the names of individuals in need and possibly arranging transportation for those receiving meals, Williams said.

While the group has conducted clean-ups before, this is their first time it is taking part in a food giveaway, its president said.