Each year, the Brick Elks collect thousands of pounds of Thanksgiving food to distribute to 125 needy families in the community. It’s a holiday tradition that John Gagliano has helped fulfill for nearly three decades. 

“When I first started, we had 15 families, give or take,” said 77-year-old Gagliano, a former exalted ruler of the Brick Elks. “(Now) we’re up to 125.”

Providing 125 needy families with Thanksgiving dinner is no small task in a normal year, but now rising prices for turkey and other holiday foods are providing new challenges for Gagliano.

The price of turkey rose from about $0.85 or $0.90 a pound before the pandemic to $1.07 per pound this year, forcing Gagliano to work even harder to raise money and hunt for the best food deals.

It took the Elks about a year to raise the roughly $6,500 needed to purchase the Thanksgiving food, he said. 

John Gagliano, head organizer for the Brick Elks' food donation effort, is shown on Dec. 20, 2015, during the Elks' Christmas toy and food distribution.

Once assembled, the Thanksgiving meals includes a 12-pound turkey, corn, various type of vegetables, sweet potatoes, fresh fruit and fruit cocktail, apple sauce and child-friendly favorites like mac-and-cheese, hot chocolate and cookies, Gagliano said.

In addition, he and Elks’ Exalted Ruler Elyse Russo spend up to $800  to purchase new coats for the family’s children each year, he said.

“When I see these kids come in, they have nothing,” Gagliano said. “They don’t even have a damn jacket on. … I just believe that people need help.”

School counselors help the Elks discretely connect with nearby families in need, he said.

On Nov. 14, the Elks and volunteers will help to fill boxes with Thanksgiving food and other household items: cabinet staples like peanut butter and jelly, cereal and snacks.

Despite the months of preparation, the shopping trips and weeks of fundraising, Gagliano keeps returning year after year to lead the effort.

“I believe in it, because I believe people need a break,” he said. “People need to eat like I need to eat. My reward is… when I’m sitting down to dinner, having my turkey dinner, … and (I know) all these people are eating with me. It’s very near and dear to me.”

Food:Let us help you prep for Thanksgiving with the best food and tips

Dining:These 10 Jersey Shore restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, [email protected] or 732-557-5701.

Source: Asbury Park

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