Simsbury Family’s ‘Basket Brigade’ Marks Milestone With Biggest Thanksgiving Goal Yet

Contributed article

SIMSBURY, CT — What began around one family’s dining room table in 1999 has grown into one of the Farmington Valley’s most enduring community traditions.

This year, the Gabel Basket Brigade celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of neighbors coming together to provide full Thanksgiving dinners to families experiencing hardship.

This year, the need is the greatest the organization has ever seen. Requests for help have skyrocketed as families across the region are facing rising grocery costs and limited assistance.

“We will not turn away a single family,” said Donna Gabel, who co-founded the Basket Brigade with her husband Cory. “We have been doing this for 25 years, and we’ve seen hard seasons before – but this one is different. Every family should be able to sit around a table with the people they love. If we can help make that happen, we will.”

Over the past 25 years, the Brigade has:

• Built more than 13,000 baskets
• Provided meals to over 70,000 people
• Delivered nearly 160,000 pounds of turkey
• Expanded to serve families in Connecticut and Texas

The Basket Brigade works with local partner Gnazzo’s Food Center in Plainville to purchase turkeys and ingredients in advance, ensuring every basket includes all the traditional fixings for a full Thanksgiving meal.

Volunteers will gather the weekend before Thanksgiving in Burlington, Simsbury, and Texas to assemble baskets and deliver them directly to families.

“This community has never been the kind to look away,” Cory Gabel said. “If our neighbor needs something, we show up. We’re giving families one good day – one meal where they can sit, breathe, and be together. And it only happens because people here step up. Whether it’s donating $35 for a basket, giving an hour to help assemble meals, or simply spreading the word — every contribution helps feed a neighbor. ”

How to Help

The most meaningful way to support this effort is by helping us fund the baskets. A contribution of any size goes directly toward a family’s Thanksgiving meal.

• Donate: $35 provides one full basket
• Volunteer: If you choose to join us on a build site in Burlington or Simsbury Sunday, November 23, please consider sponsoring the basket you’ll be assembling.
• Sponsor: Group and business sponsorships welcome

Donate or register to volunteer at: www.GabelBasketBrigade.com