By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
North Platte, NE – La Casa Del Rios is calling on the community to help make Thanksgiving brighter for local families in need. The restaurant is providing Thanksgiving baskets and is seeking donations to make them possible.
Kim Kelley, representing La Casa Del Rios, explained that the idea for the Thanksgiving baskets has been on her mind for a while.
“It’s always hard around the holiday season for families,” she said. “This year, with the government shutdown and other challenges, we knew it was even more important to help.”
They aim to fill gaps for families who might not be able to get help elsewhere.
“We’ve heard stories from families who still need assistance, even if they don’t qualify for other programs,” Kelley said. “We want to step in and make sure they have a Thanksgiving meal.”
Families in need can request a basket by messaging La Casa Del Rios on Facebook or calling 308-221-6907. They are asked to provide their name and the number of household members. Baskets will be available for pick-up on Monday, November 24, at the restaurant, and delivery is available for those who cannot make it.
Each basket will include traditional Thanksgiving staples such as a turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, cranberries, and dinner rolls. Desserts like pies may also be included, depending on donations. Baskets can be adjusted to accommodate larger families, with additional turkeys provided when needed.
Donations are crucial to the success of the program. Kelley said community members can contribute monetary donations or physical items, which can be dropped off at La Casa Del Rios.
“If someone is unable to drop off donations, we can arrange a pickup,” she added.
The deadline to be added to the basket list is Tuesday, November 19, at 8 p.m., and donations are requested by Wednesday, November 20. This allows the team time to organize the baskets and ensure they’re ready for distribution on November 24.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated and who will donate in the future. We really appreciate the help,” Kelley said.
For more information or to contribute, reach out to La Casa Del Rios through their Facebook page or by phone at 308-221-6907.