NORWICH – With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Parker Walsh Team at Keller Williams Realty prepares to host its fourth annual Blessing Basket event.

The team hopes everyone will join in giving a filled food basket to help those in need this holiday season.

“Many people have expressed the fun they are having while putting together their baskets and that is so heartwarming,” said Gretchen Parker Walsh, team leader of the Parker Walsh Team at Keller Williams Realty.

“It's exciting to watch our communities lean into this spirit of giving,” Walsh said. “This is the spirit that will bless families in need with a beautiful Thanksgiving meal.”

The first drop-off will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. November 18 at Nina's Pizzeria and Restaurant, located at 32 South Broad Street in Norwich. The event will also provide a kids’ activity corner with arts and crafts and more, and an apple cider bar.

The second drop-off will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. November 19 at the Sherburne Inn, located at 2 West State Street in Sherburne.

She noted a laundry basket is one of the sturdiest containers to hold and transport items and said the baskets can be decorated or holiday table decorations can be added to them.

Items to fill blessing baskets can include a $20 or $25 gift card to a local grocery store for the purchase of turkey or ham; boxes of stuffing and boxes of mashed potatoes; canned corn, green beans and cranberry sauce; a jar or packet of gravy and cream of mushroom soup; a box of muffin or biscuit mix; and a nonperishable dessert.

Extra items could include additional foods, mittens, socks, toiletries, games, laundry detergent and more.

The team will deliver all baskets to families in need throughout the school district.

Walsh said last year was a success with more than 200 baskets collected. She said she is grateful to all who participated and looks forward to contributions to this year's event.

For more information, text or call Gretchen Walsh at 607-226-2442.