HARRISON — The Deacons of the United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton, with help from the Harrison Food Pantry, recently coordinated the purchase and distribution of 73 Thanksgiving food boxes to families in Harrison, Waterford and Sweden.

The food boxes included a turkey, potatoes, onions, gravy, stuffing, rolls, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, pie crust mix, apples, fruit juice and boxed dessert. Volunteers said many of the families also received a Hannaford Food Box thanks to the Bridgton Food Pantry. The Deacons will also be sending Hannaford Food Cards to the same families before Christmas.

Food for these boxes was purchased by the Deacon’s Fund with money given by friends and members of the church as well as the Woodland Rebekah’s Lodge No. 42 and the Harrison VFW Ladies Auxilliary. Also added to this fund was 25 percent of the money raised from the church’s annual CROP walk, which is essential in providing this assistance to families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The organizers of the food drive thanked everyone who donated to the fund and to all who helped with coordinating and distributing the boxes.

The need was greater this year than last year with 18 more families receiving food boxes.

Anyone wishing to give to this fund may send their donation to United Parish Deacons Fund, P.O. Box 95, Harrison, ME 04040.