Coastal Windows & Exteriors Marks Decade of Thanksgiving Donations Amid 26% Surge in Food Assistance Requests

Coastal Windows & Exteriors is celebrating its 10th consecutive year of turkey and fixin' bag donations to The Open Door Pantry and Beverly Bootstraps, reaching a milestone of 500 turkeys donated since the initiative began in 2015. This anniversary comes as The Open Door reports a concerning 26% surge in food assistance requests since 2024, making the company's contributions particularly timely for North Shore families facing food insecurity during the holiday season.

The exterior remodeling company is donating 50 turkeys weighing 839 pounds to The Open Door in Gloucester, with each bird carrying special tags honoring Coastal's recent customers who made these donations possible. Additionally, the company contributed 25 fixin' bags to Beverly Bootstraps' goal of assembling 750 complete holiday meal packages. These donations directly address the double-digit increase in food assistance requests both organizations have experienced this year.

The initiative embodies the concept of Freedom from Want—the fundamental right to live without fear of hunger or deprivation first articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, this philosophy extends to ensuring no North Shore resident goes without a roof over their head or food on their table. Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors and 2024 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, explains that Freedom from Want in today's world means both shelter and sustenance—a secure roof overhead, a warm draft-free home, and food on every table.

Since launching this program, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has invested more than $10,000 in direct food support through turkey donations and food pairings. Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO of The Open Door, praised the decade-long effort, calling it a powerful example of community strength and the impact of business partnerships working together for good.

The timing of these donations is particularly significant given current economic conditions. As the Farmers' Almanac predicts a harsh 'Chill, Snow, Repeat' winter pattern with energy costs projected to rise 13% or more, the intersection of housing security and food security becomes increasingly critical. Coastal's work as an exterior remodeling company helps homeowners reduce energy bills through high-performance windows, insulated siding, and energy-efficient roofing systems—savings that can help families allocate more resources toward other essential needs like food.

The company's commitment to Freedom from Want extends beyond Thanksgiving donations. Throughout the year, Coastal Windows & Exteriors supports veterans through the Roofs for Heroes program, sponsors community recognition events, and maintains partnerships with organizations addressing fundamental needs across the North Shore region. As the #1 woman-owned exterior remodeling contractor in New England, the company protects homes from cold and unpredictable weather while ensuring those homes have filled pantries and warm holiday meals through community partnerships.