Members of the Hawkseye community in Lewes opened their hearts and wallets to help those served by Epworth United Methodist Church have a better Thanksgiving.

Stephanie Smolka of the Hawkseye social committee came up with the idea of a Thanksgiving food drive and connected with Dotti Outland, Epworth food ministry team lead. A list of requested items was decided on, and a plan went into place.

Fresh Market in Rehoboth Beach donated the paper grocery bags to be used for collecting donations. Toward the end of October, a small group of neighbors delivered the bags to each home, and an email was sent to the community with the donation request. About 10 days later, more than 100 bags and boxes of groceries were picked up from front porches. Three loaded vehicles made their way to Epworth Church Nov. 7 to make the delivery.

Outland greeted the Hawkseye group and said over the past few days, about 30 additional families had requested assistance for Thanksgiving, so this donation was especially appreciated. In all, the generous residents of Hawkseye donated 1,586 pounds of groceries.

Smolka said, “I am so pleased with the turnout from our neighbors and the fact that we are helping so many to have a good meal on Thanksgiving.”

Volunteers and donations are always welcome at Epworth. For more information, call 302-227-7743 or go to epworth.faith.