Donations accepted through: Monday, Nov. 16
Packing bags: Tuesday, Nov. 17
Thanksgiving Food Giveaway: Friday, Nov. 20
As the holiday season approaches, Jewish Family Service is preparing for one of its largest annual community outreach efforts: the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway.
This year, JFS plans to provide Thanksgiving groceries to 300 families, ensuring they have the ingredients needed to prepare a holiday meal at home. Each family will receive a frozen turkey or chicken, pantry staples, and traditional Thanksgiving favorites, including stuffing, potatoes, onions, green beans, cornbread mix, rolls, small pies, cranberry sauce, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and more.
Years ago, when the drive began, JFS distributed approximately 100 turkeys. Last year, it was 300 turkeys. The growth reflects both the increasing need for food assistance and the generosity of the community that makes this effort possible.
Volunteers who distribute the groceries experience the meaningful impact of the drive when they watch a family’s car being loaded, knowing that a Thanksgiving dinner will be possible.
The gratitude on people’s faces is a powerful reminder that these groceries represent more than a meal. They offer relief from financial pressure, the opportunity to gather around a table with loved ones, and the comfort of knowing that someone in the community cares.
JFS is accepting donations of Thanksgiving food items through Monday, November 16.
Volunteers are needed to pack Thanksgiving grocery bags on Tuesday, November 17 at the Simon Family JCC and to assist with the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Friday, November 20, 10 am – 12 pm.
To register to receive a Thanksgiving food package, visit bit.ly/JFSgiving.
To volunteer, contact Julie Kievit at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.