Team MDL shows holiday spirit

Published Nov. 24, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Naval Support Activity Lakehurst and the Joint Base Chaplains Office members gathered food for nearly 100 meals during the 35th Annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Program, here Nov. 23.

The program provides a complete Thanksgiving dinner for military members, veterans, civilians, and community families in need.

The meals come with 12-18 pound turkeys, a ham and sides for the whole family.
"The meal has all of the trimmings," said Mary Joe Disharoon, program director. "It includes potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, rolls, butter, cranberry sauce and we also provide desserts."

Volunteers give out approximately 100 meals every year.

"It means a lot to be able to give out these meals," said Petty Officer 1st Class Anique Sands, lead program volunteer. "I have been volunteering with the program for five years."

Along with the meals given out to base personnel, the program sends 25 meals to an Ocean County veteran center.

"I love it," said Disharoon. "When they come in and you see the look on their faces, it really warms your heart to see them so happy."