West Valley Workers Deliver 400 Thanksgiving Turkeys to Nine Food Pantries

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – The West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) workforce once again surpassed its goal for the site’s annual food drive, bringing 111,000 pounds of Thanksgiving turkeys and other items to nine area food pantries.

This year’s donations boost the total food collected in the drive to 1.9 million pounds since its inception in 1989.

“The success of our food drive is a direct result of the generosity and kindness of our employees, partners, and subcontractors,” said Lettie Chilson, WVDP facility manager and food drive coordinator. “It demonstrates the positive impact that kindness can have on a community. The WVDP Food Drive helps to improve the quality of life for our neighbors serviced by the local pantries.”

This year’s goal was to collect 100,000 pounds of food — the same as last year’s drive, when the workforce brought in 108,000 pounds of food for hundreds of families in need during the holiday season.

“I am honored to be a part of an event that makes a difference in our community,” said Scott Anderson, president and general manager of CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, EM's WVDP cleanup contractor. “The amount of food collected year after year demonstrates the generosity and kindness of our employees.”

Chilson noted that the needs of the community increase during the holiday season, when resources are spread thin.

“Community support from the WVDP Food Drive helps to meet those needs that may have gone unmet during the holiday season,” Chilson said.