The Soffermans in a contributed photo from a previous year.
SHELTON — A local dentist and his family are again asking people to make their annual pilgrimage to his turkey and canned food drive to ensure Valley folks in need enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving feast.
Dr. Bruce Sofferman, along with his wife Deborah and daughter Sophia, will again don traditional pilgrim and Native American costumes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 17 outside Smile Dental Center, at 1000 Bridgeport Ave., collecting food. Chaz from 99.1 WPLR will also be on hand at 11 a.m.
The collection will benefit the Valley’s nonprofit homeless shelter, the Spooner House and its Valley Food Bank. This is the Sofferman’s 35th year hosting the drive.
In addition to frozen turkeys, items needed include 100% fruit juice, beans, dry or canned breakfast cereal/oatmeal, canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna, canned soup and beef stews, gluten-free products, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jam, jelly, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, rice, shelf stable milk, sugar-free, low sodium and no salt items.
Sofferman said the need continues to grow, and his family remains dedicated to helping. He hopes to collect enough stuff to create at least 750 food baskets.
“It’s a way for us to give back to a community we love, and once again we hope to be a major contributor to the Spooner House’s goal of providing Thanksgiving meals for all in need,” he said. “This year is an especially tough year for everyone.”
With COVID-19 precautions in mind, drop-offs are simple and safe, the Soffermans said. Just pull up to the drive, pop your trunk and someone will remove the donated items from your car without making contact.
The Soffermans also created a Facebook page this year for monetary donations, and hope to raise at least $5,000 for the cause. To donate visit Facebook. Checks or monetary donations can also be dropped off at Smile Dental Center, 100 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton.
More information about the drive can be found online at Spooner House’s website http://www.actspooner.org/.
