As North Shore food requests surge 26%, Beverly-based Coastal Windows & Exteriors is marking its 10th consecutive year of turkey donations to families in need. The exterior remodeling company donated 50 turkeys and 25 fixin' bags to The Open Door Pantry and Beverly Bootstraps, continuing a tradition that has provided over 500 turkeys since 2015.
The Open Door reported an alarming 26% increase in food assistance requests since 2024, making the donations particularly timely. The turkeys, weighing a total of 839 pounds, were delivered to The Open Door in Gloucester with tags honoring Coastal's recent customers who made the donations possible. Additionally, Coastal contributed 25 fixin' bags to Beverly Bootstraps' 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."
Freedom from Want, a concept first articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 and immortalized in Norman Rockwell's 1943 painting, represents the fundamental right to live without fear of hunger or deprivation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has invested more than $10,000 in direct food support through this initiative.
"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," said Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors and 2024 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year. "As the #1 woman-owned exterior remodeling contractor in New England, we protect homes from cold and unpredictable weather. Through our community partnerships, we're equally committed to making sure those homes have filled pantries and warm holiday meals."
The Farmers' Almanac predicts a harsh winter pattern ahead with energy costs projected to rise 13% or more, highlighting the intersection of housing security and food security. 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, including support for veterans through the Roofs for Heroes program and partnerships with organizations addressing fundamental needs across the North Shore.
Established in 2011, Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a local woman-owned, family-run exterior remodeling company in Beverly, Massachusetts. The company has earned numerous accolades including SBA Massachusetts Business Person of the Year, GAF President's Club Award, and the #1 Woman-Owned Replacement Company in New England on the Inc. 5000 list.
