As the holiday season approaches, local non-profits across the country are stepping up to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need. From Las Vegas to Midland, these organizations are ensuring that no one goes hungry during this festive time.
Key Takeaways
- Local non-profits are providing thousands of Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
- Initiatives include meal deliveries and community dinners.
- Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these events.
Las Vegas Rescue Mission Serves A Thousand Meals
In Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Rescue Mission is preparing to serve a thousand Thanksgiving meals to those in need. With homelessness at a ten-year high, the mission is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a warm meal this holiday season. Chief De Partie George Tucker, who has personal experience with homelessness, is leading the kitchen efforts, cutting up 18 donated turkeys.
Heather Williams, the Director of Development, emphasized the importance of community support, stating that they serve over 30,000 meals each month and need volunteers year-round. The Thanksgiving meal will be served on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., inviting anyone in need to join.
Midland’s One Bite At A Time Ministries
In Midland, Texas, One Bite At A Time Ministries is focusing on families affected by cancer. Their "Gobble Up Cancer" initiative delivered meals to 100 families, providing not just food but also emotional support. CEO Paula Gower, a cancer survivor herself, understands the challenges these families face during the holidays.
The initiative aims to ease the burden on families dealing with cancer, allowing them to focus on recovery and family time. Each meal delivery included care packages with information about support groups, reinforcing the message that they are not alone in their fight.
Houston’s Community Dinner
The Destined for Empowerment Community Development Corporation (DFECDC) in Houston is hosting its fifth annual Thanksgiving Dinner, aiming to serve over 3,000 families. This event, which has grown significantly since its inception, showcases the organization’s commitment to community welfare. Bishop Roderick Johnson, the founder, believes in extending the church’s mission beyond Sunday services to nourish the community physically and spiritually.
The dinner will take place on Thanksgiving Day, with meal delivery and on-site dining available. With 300 volunteers expected to assist, the event exemplifies the power of community collaboration.
Shreveport’s Turkey Fry Guys
In Shreveport, the Turkey Fry Guys hosted their annual turkey fry event, which not only provides meals but also raises funds for local non-profits. This year, they fried enough turkeys to feed over 7,000 people, with 1,300 turkeys donated to the Gingerbread House, a child abuse advocacy center.
The initiative began in 2022 and has rapidly expanded, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting those in need. The Turkey Fry Guys aim to continue their efforts, ensuring that families facing hardships have access to holiday meals.
Conclusion
These local non-profits are making a significant impact this Thanksgiving by providing meals and support to families in need. Their efforts highlight the importance of community involvement and the spirit of giving during the holiday season. As they continue to serve, they remind us all of the power of compassion and generosity in our communities.
Sources
- Las Vegas non-profit provides a thousand Thanksgiving meals to those in need, KLAS 8 News Now.
- Midland non-profit serves Thanksgiving meals to families | newswest9.com, newswest9.com.
- Non-profit hosts annual Thanksgiving Dinner to serve over 3,000 families in need | CW39 Houston, CW39 Houston.
- Turkey Fry Guys hosted their annual fundraising event Saturday, Shreveport Times.
- How a nonprofit helps refugees make SC their home • SC Daily Gazette, SC Daily Gazette.