Every year during Thanksgiving week, members of the Garden Club of Norfolk (GCN) gather to create holiday baskets for families served by the Norfolk Food Pantry and for several town departments. In October, the club was honored with the “Teamwork Award” from the New England Garden Clubs for its long-running holiday basket project.

The project reflects the GCN’s commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. Its goal is to bring festive cheer and natural beauty to families in need, local institutions, and homebound residents. By using locally sourced evergreens and reusing baskets and materials, the club promotes sustainability while fostering creativity and camaraderie among members. 

The effort also strengthens partnerships with town organizations—including the Norfolk Food Pantry, Emmanuel Baptist Church, the Recreation Department, and the Department of Public Works—extending the project’s impact throughout the community. In addition, the annual gathering gives members an opportunity to connect, share skills, and celebrate the spirit of giving.

Each year, volunteers create more than thirty baskets filled with fresh-cut greens, natural décor items, handmade ornaments, and colorful bows. Twenty-five baskets are delivered to the Norfolk Food Pantry, with others going to town offices, the Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Senior Center, and the fire and police departments, as well as to homebound club members. The GCN is honored to receive recognition for the teamwork behind this project and for helping bring holiday cheer to the community.

To learn more about the Garden Club of Norfolk, visit gardenclubofnorfolkma.com.