MONTE VISTA — On Friday, Nov. 17, the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank held a Thanksgiving distribution.

Executive Director Jennifer Becker was pleased with the turnout and happy that they could help so many families.

“We fed 625 people, 172 families, in just four hours. We were grateful to be able to help so many people in the community in need,” Becker said.

The Monte Vista Emergency Food bank usually serves between 2-500 people for the holiday season. The bank relies on donations from the community, businesses, and individuals.

At this year’s distribution, people received cranberries, chicken broth, pumpkin, green beans, evaporated milk, Jello mix, a cake or cookie mix, along with turkey or ham, fresh bread, and eggs.

Becker said that the food bank spent around $8,000 to help feed everyone.

“We are always thankful for the donations that help so much,” Becker said. “I definitely want to thank everyone who has donated. I would like to also give a big shout out to Scott Lujan at Top Value, too. Scott, his wife Kat, and his staff are great! They always throw in extras, and give us a good deal on price, and deliver the goods to us on time every year. We appreciate that so very much.”

Becker said that she can’t forget her volunteers. They work hard to make sure that the distribution goes smoothly, not just for the holidays but year-round.

Becker also said that she was grateful to Tim and Wendy Davidson of Scrumpy Moos, who fed her volunteers on the day of the distribution for free.

“So many wonderful people in the community working to band together to help feed the community,” Becker said. “We are all a team, and I couldn’t do it without any of them. I am grateful that we were able to feed so many people in the community for Thanksgiving. This is what the food bank is all about. We want to make sure that everyone in need gets fed. We are also proud to be able to feed everyone in need for the holidays and all year round too.”

Food bank board member Bridget Sandoval helped at the distribution and said that everyone looked happy to receive the food.

“I was happy to be a part of it all and help,” Sandoval said. “People started lining up at 9 a.m. for the distribution. We fed a lot of families. They walked away looking really happy to be able to feed their families for Thanksgiving.”

With Christmas right around the corner, the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank needs donations. The food bank is open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, and their phone number is 719-852-4851. The food bank is located at 245 Washington St. in Monte Vista. The food banks is also on Facebook and people can email Becker directly at [email protected] or mail monetary donations to PO Box 844, Monte Vista, CO 81144.