On Thursday, Nov. 20, the groups held a giveaway of essential items for Thanksgiving meals to people in need. The giveaway was held in the Velva City Park.

The idea for the project was spearheaded by Tom Wible, a member of both the Velva American Legion and Velva Veterans Group, who personally provided food baskets for local people in need last year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to information about the project.

This year, the Veterans Group wanted to help with the financial cost of the project and the Legion joined in.

John Holmen, Velva American Legion Post 39 commander, said the initiative to help provides the basic Thanksgiving dinner essentials to those in need right now, especially after the recent government shutdown.

Submitted Photo Joni Anderson, McHenry County Food Pantry coordinator from Granville, joined the Velva American Legion and Velva Veterans Group food giveaway Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Velva City Park to help support those in need for Thanksgiving. Anderson brought bags full of staple pantry items to hand out.

For the giveaway, 100 turkeys, 50 hams and a bag of potatoes to go with each were purchased.

All the food was purchased from the Velva Fresh foods grocery store to help support the local businesses.

Joni Anderson, McHenry County Food Pantry coordinator from Granville, joined the group for the giveaway. She brought bags full of staple pantry items to hand out.

On Thursday evening, 150 bundles of food were given out at the park to individuals or families from Velva and the surrounding area, including six bundles to the Minot Crisis Center.

As long as there is a need for the initiative and funds to support it can be raised, organizers anticipate continuing the effort.

Submitted Photo Members of the Velva American Legion and and Velva Veterans Group (VVG) and Joni Anderson, McHenry County Food Pantry coordinator, took part in helping with the giveaway Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Velva City Park to provide food to those in need for Thanksgiving. From left to right are: Megan Mondragon, Legion; Tom Wible, VVG and Legion; Melissa Schreiner, Legion Auxiliary; Mike Schreiner, VVG and Legion; Kendra Colby, Legion; Dennis Oster, VVG and Legion; Christine Oster, VVG and Legion; Al McIlvane, VVG and Legion; Jamie Frankl, VVG and Legion; Brian Smelden, Legion; and Anderson.

Submitted Photo Members of the Velva American Legion and Auxiliary, Velva Veterans Group and McHenry County Food Pantry coordinator Joni Anderson hand out essential food for Thanksgiving for those in need. The food giveaway was held in the Velva City Park Thursday, Nov. 20.