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 to North Shore families. This anniversary comes as The Open Door reports an alarming 26% surge in food assistance requests since 2024, highlighting the growing need for community support during the holiday season.
The exterior remodeling company is donating 50 turkeys weighing 839 pounds to The Open Door in Gloucester, where each bird carries a special tag honoring Coastal's recent customers who made these donations possible. These contributions directly address the double-digit increase in food assistance requests that both The Open Door and Beverly Bootstraps have experienced this year. The company also contributed 25 fixin' bags to Beverly Bootstraps' ambitious goal of assembling 750 complete holiday meal packages.
"For the past decade, Coastal Windows has embraced the spirit of giving by helping create freedom from want during the holidays with turkey donations," said Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO of The Open Door. "This effort is a powerful example of community strength and the impact of business partnerships working together for good." The initiative reflects the company's commitment to Freedom from Want—the fundamental right to live without fear of hunger or deprivation first articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.
Since launching this initiative in 2015, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has invested more than $10,000 in direct food support with 500+ turkeys and food pairings through Beverly Bootstraps and The Open Door. Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors and 2024 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, explains the broader significance: "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."
The timing of these donations is particularly crucial as the Farmers' Almanac predicts a harsh 'Chill, Snow, Repeat' winter pattern ahead with energy costs projected to rise 13% or more. This intersection of housing security and food security becomes increasingly important for North Shore families facing multiple financial pressures. 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.
The company's decade-long commitment to Freedom from Want extends beyond Thanksgiving. 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. As a GAF-certified roofing contractor and James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, the company's community involvement demonstrates how local businesses can address both housing and food insecurity simultaneously.
