Kendra and Mary pictured with Target Hunger staff.

A Thanksgiving of Giving

November 20th was our special Thanksgiving Grocery Distribution. This year and last, the way we did our distribution shifted as we adjusted to new safety measures because of COVID. Almost 150

volunteers lined up at their appointed times ready to serve their community. We set up two loading zones at our warehouse on Shotwell Street. Volunteers drove up to receive a grocery set-up that included shelf-stable holiday staples, vegetables, eggs, and a turkey for each family. The full cars then set off to deliver to over 1,000 families in northeast and east Houston.

Some volunteers enjoyed the experience so much they returned for more.. Two of those volunteers were Kendra Francis and Mary McArthur, representing their group – Alpha Lambda Beta. When asked about the experience and what made them want to do two rounds of delivery, Kendra said “We chose to do it because we’re supposed to do community service but definitely this is a warm and welcoming experience. This is my second go round, I’m so happy just to see their faces. It was such a wonderful thing; I can’t wait to do it again!”

We asked Mary her thoughts on the experience, and she said “We encourage you guys to come out and be involved and be a volunteer for your community. It was a great feeling being out doing what we love to do and seeing all their faces being very appreciative for what they’re receiving today.” Together Kendra and Mary delivered to 16 families that Saturday morning!

Sandy, our CEO, and Sean, our volunteer manager, pictured with volunteers from Port Houston.

What We’re Grateful For

We are so appreciative of all the volunteers that served with us to ensure these families had a special Thanksgiving. Deliverers that morning were done by board members, regular volunteers, donors, new volunteers, and even a politician. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia delivered and visited with four families receiving food in Magnolia Park.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to The Embassy of the State of Qatar who underwrote the cost of the turkeys and Port Houston who underwrote the cost of the holiday dessert.

As we continue in this wonderful holiday season, the need continues. We are partnering with the Houston Food Bank’s Share Your Holiday to get more holiday meals to the families who need it most. As the year comes to a close, we hope you’ll continue to support the work and make a difference this holiday season!

Leave a Reply