HELPING OTHERS — Molly McGovern, director of the Friendship Room in downtown Steubenville, receives a gift card for distribution from Eddie Abdalla, chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Democratic Party has launched a Thanksgiving meal program to help local families who are facing rising grocery costs this holiday season. The initiative provides $40 Aldi gift cards, enough to purchase all the necessities for a full Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people.

So far, party representatives have distributed 50 gift cards across Jefferson County — a total of $2,000 in grocery assistance which will provide a Thanksgiving meal for up to 500 residents in the county. The effort began with an initial $1,000 in funding from the local party, which was doubled thanks to donations from community members.

Gift cards are being distributed through the Urban Mission and Friendship Room in downtown Steubenville; food pantries in Smithfield, Amsterdam and Hammondsville; the Short Creek Joint Fire District in Adena; and through several local churches serving residents in need.

“We wanted to do something meaningful for families who are struggling with the rising cost of groceries,” said Eddie Abdalla, county party chairman. “The Jefferson County Democratic Party is proud to stand with our community. This program is about neighbors helping neighbors — and we plan to continue as long as donations keep coming in. This initiative reflects our core belief — that Democrats put people first, always have, always will.”

Those interested in supporting the program can visit jeffersoncodems.com to make an online donation. Every contribution will help another family enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal this season, Abdalla said.