Coastal Windows & Exteriors Marks 10 Years of Turkey Donations Amid 26% Surge in Food Assistance Requests

Coastal Windows & Exteriors is commemorating its 10th consecutive year of turkey and fixin' bag donations to The Open Door Pantry and Beverly Bootstraps, responding to a concerning 26% surge in food assistance requests reported by The Open Door since 2024. The exterior remodeling company's milestone initiative comes at a critical time when more North Shore families are facing food insecurity during the holiday season.

The company donated 50 turkeys weighing 839 pounds to The Open Door in Gloucester, with each bird carrying special tags honoring Coastal's recent customers who enabled these donations. This substantial contribution directly addresses the double-digit increase in food assistance requests experienced by both The Open Door and Beverly Bootstraps this year. Additionally, Coastal Windows & Exteriors contributed 25 fixin' bags to support Beverly Bootstraps' ambitious goal of assembling 750 complete holiday meal packages for families in need.

The initiative embodies the Freedom from Want principle, originally articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 and immortalized in Norman Rockwell's beloved 1943 painting depicting a multigenerational family gathered around an abundant Thanksgiving table. Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors and 2024 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, explained the modern interpretation of this concept: "What is Freedom from Want in today's world? It's both shelter and sustenance—a secure roof overhead, a warm draft-free home and food on every table."

Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO of The Open Door, emphasized the significance of this decade-long partnership: "For the past decade, Coastal Windows has embraced the spirit of giving by helping create freedom from want during the holidays with turkey donations. This effort is a powerful example of community strength and the impact of business partnerships working together for good."

Over the past ten years, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has invested more than $10,000 in direct food support, providing 500+ turkeys and food pairings through its partnerships with Beverly Bootstraps and The Open Door. The company's commitment to community support extends beyond seasonal giving, including year-round initiatives such as the Roofs for Heroes program for veterans, community recognition event sponsorships, and ongoing partnerships with organizations addressing fundamental needs across the North Shore.

The intersection of housing security and food security becomes particularly relevant as the Farmers' Almanac predicts a harsh 'Chill, Snow, Repeat' winter pattern with energy costs projected to rise 13% or more. Coastal's work as an exterior remodeling company helps homeowners reduce energy bills through high-performance windows, insulated siding, and energy-efficient roofing systems available at https://www.coastalwindows.com. These energy savings can help families allocate more resources toward essential needs, including food security.

As the #1 woman-owned exterior remodeling contractor in New England, Coastal Windows & Exteriors maintains its position as New England's top-rated remodeler with the highest volume of verified reviews. The company's decade-long dedication to both home protection and community nourishment demonstrates how businesses can address multiple aspects of household stability simultaneously, creating lasting impact beyond immediate holiday needs.