One extra item in your grocery cart could help a Lafayette family gather around the Thanksgiving table this year.

PARCsGiving, organized by Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department, is collecting donations for its second annual meal-basket effort.

The goal is at least 100 Thanksgiving meal baskets for families across Lafayette Parish, with donations accepted through November 6.

What to donate

Requested items include one- or two-pound bags of rice, canned green beans, canned corn, cornbread mix, and dessert supplies such as cake mix, brownie mix, or pie filling and crust.

A handwritten note of encouragement is welcome, too, giving students, seniors and anyone watching their budget a no-cost way to participate.

A small contribution can still be a meaningful one.

As a practical shopping approach, choose an item from the requested list before you enter the store and keep the donation separate from your household groceries.

Check the package condition and date before dropping it off.

Families could let children pick the note’s message or decorate the paper, turning an ordinary grocery trip into a conversation about looking out for neighbors.

Where to drop it off

The announcement lists weekday collection at Girard Park Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Lafayette City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and PARC recreation centers from 2 to 9 p.m.

Check the official recreation-center directory to choose a convenient location.

If you are organizing a larger collection, call ahead rather than assuming a center can accommodate an unexpected bulk delivery.

A workplace, church group or neighborhood could share the requested-item list and choose one person to make the drop-off.

Those are suggested ways to organize your own contribution, rather than additional requirements imposed by PARC.

Give time instead

PARC also welcomes volunteers to help assemble the baskets; its announcement provides a volunteer signup link and the contact number 337-291-8364.

Distribution is planned for November 20 beginning at 4 p.m. at Domingue Recreation Center, 901 Mudd Avenue, on a first-come basis while supplies last.

For this week, choose a donation, write a note, or ask about volunteering.

Review the current PARCsGiving announcement before heading out.