Fall is here and it’s time to gear up for feasting in all its forms, from family gatherings to Friendsgivings.
While you count your blessings, you may want to consider supporting those who are counting on local nonprofits to provide Thanksgiving festivities.
“This year, as government programs face growing uncertainty, our Blessings Event carries even greater significance — serving those in need throughout our community when help is needed most,” said Lisa Chastain, President/CEO of Gospel Rescue Mission.
Harriet Brown, a volunteer with the Gospel Rescue Mission Church serves green beans to guests during the Gospel Rescue Mission Blessings To Go event in 2024.
GRM expects to serve more than 2,500 hungry and homeless guests during its annual Thanksgiving Blessings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity, 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd.
Optimally, at least 250 frozen turkeys and canned goods such as cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes — as well as more than 100 store-bought pies—are needed to bring the four-course dinner to fruition.
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The event also features give-aways of hygiene packs and pet food, mobile showers, and a free clothing trailer. Kids can enjoy inflatable jumping castles, PlayStations and other activities.
The Salvation Army Tucson is among several local nonprofits collecting items for Thanksgiving feasts.It will host a “Turkey Drive Thru & Donate” (pictured last year) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at NOVA Home Loans, 6893 N. Oracle Rd., #121.
It welcomes not only those experiencing food insecurity, but also seniors and people who are alone and those who would just like to share the holiday with others, according to Chastain.
“This is our way of giving back to the community and to people experiencing tough times. We want them to come in and leave their troubles on the street and relax and enjoy a wonderful meal and all the festivities,” said Bruce Beikman, Communications Director at the Gospel Rescue Mission.
Casa Maria Soup Kitchen offers pre- and post-Thanksgiving meals — and volunteer opportunities — for those seeking community connections as well.
Casa Maria Director Brian Flagg is looking to the community to help with the increasing need that the kitchen is experiencing. He said the recent closure of a Food City in South Tucson has impacted the entire community and donations have been low.
“We are up against it: Our numbers are really big. We are serving more than 500 bag lunches daily and providing 75 family food bags every day. . .we have been running out of food. We will take any kind of food — fresh fruits and vegetables and canned food — that people want to bring to us,” Flagg said.
The Salvation Army is also in need of donations to provide a feast for a crowd — last year it served 670 meals — on Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave.
A large crowd is expected again this year, particularly if the successful new partnership between Salvation Army Tucson and Caridad Community Kitchen is any indication, according to Kelli Beasley, PR and Engagement Manager for Salvation Army Tucson.
The collaboration has been serving between 110 and 140 hot meals daily from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Hospitality House.
That momentum is expected to carry into the Thanksgiving celebration, which also features pet food giveaways, performances by Kids Unlimited and the Old Pueblo Brass Band, and much more.
“It is just a really nice day with donations of flowers from Mayfield Florist, decorations by local school kids and great food, festivities and fellowship,” Beasley said.
