A Sunny Donation

Every year the Head Start program gives turkeys to the families enrolled in the program. These turkeys are usually bought through the generosity of Sinclair Oil. Depending on the remaining funds available, families would receive a food basket with non-perishable items that can be used all year long. This year no one will go away empty handed thanks to the incredible generosity of Sunny Cup owner Cassie Orduno.

According to Mindy Greene, this is the first year, she can remember, Saratoga being involved.

Greene said that every year they send letters to local businesses asking for sponsorships to help fund Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. The amount of donations they receive determines the number of families they can serve, with the neediest families being first on the list. They typically give 80 baskets to enrolled families and a few staff members.

Greene said this year, Carbon County has been so generous, every family in the program will receive a meal for Christmas that includes a turkey and all the fixings. She said there weren't enough donations at Thanksgiving for every family to receive a meal, but they were still able to give out quite a few.

This year they've received donations from Sunny Cup as well as the Wolf Hotel. Greene said that this is an example of the Carbon County community's willingness to help. She said if you ask, they come through, school districts and individuals donate as well as businesses. "We live in a special place" said Greene, "I don't know if people that live here know just how special it is here. Whatever we need, if we ask, we will get some help."

Greene also said if there is any money left over, it will go into the family emergency fund for food. She indicated this year there seems to be a greater need for help with groceries.