As Thanksgiving draws near, the Amen House—a local nonprofit serving Scott County—has set an ambitious goal of assembling 1,500 food bags for families in need. The organization already distributed over 500 bags last week and plans to continue packing until the day before the holiday.

Why the push matters

Food insecurity in Scott County is a pressing concern. Feeding America estimates that more than 9,000 residents experience food insecurity, a figure that spikes during the holiday season when families face added expenses. “If you are struggling to feed your family for even one meal, there’s a program for you here,” said Amen House spokesperson Carla Carlisle.

Impact from last year

Last year the Amen House reached nearly 6,000 individuals, a milestone that the organization hopes to surpass. “We saw almost 6,000 of those individuals touched by the Amen House, so we are making that impact again this year,” Carlisle explained.

Volunteer call

The nonprofit relies heavily on volunteers to keep its pantry, thrift store, and soup kitchen operating. Currently, more than 550 volunteers are active throughout November. “It’s a beautiful way—come be part of our team, help us pull this off,” Carlisle urged. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, packing food bags, and preparing meals, ensuring that families can gather around their kitchen tables for a Thanksgiving meal.

Beyond Thanksgiving

The Amen House’s mission does not end with the holiday. The organization continues to serve the community year‑round, providing groceries, clothing, and hot meals. Carlisle noted that the stress of Christmas—especially the pressure to buy gifts— adds another layer of difficulty for many families. “The stress and the pressure of Christmas coming and providing gifts for everybody that you love can be an extra layer of stress for some of the families that we serve,” she said.

How to get help

Scott County residents in need can visit the Amen House, speak with an intake specialist, and receive assistance the same day. The organization encourages anyone who can spare time or resources to join its volunteer roster, emphasizing that caring for one another is a core community value.

Looking ahead

With the goal of 1,500 Thanksgiving bags in sight, the Amen House is counting on continued community support. Whether through donating food, offering a few hours of service, or simply spreading the word, local residents have the opportunity to make a tangible difference for their neighbors during the most demanding time of the year.

Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.