Caring Coalition has been distributing Thanksgiving food boxes to families since our first Thanksgiving in November of 2013. Since then, every Thanksgiving has been memorable, and this year was no exception.
Twenty-five families receive food from Caring Coalition on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Special holiday boxes were delivered to these families the weekend before Thanksgiving. High school students spent several hours that Saturday morning adding festive food to our regular boxes. Families received cornbread, stuffing mix, Martinelli’s sparkling cider, canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, mushroom soup, green beans, bouillon, and gravy mix,
along with some of the other nonperishable items they usually receive.
Along with those 25 families, social workers from four Central Phoenix Schools identified 12 additional families that really needed help this holiday. English and Spanish-speaking volunteers contacted the families to determine their food preferences and the best ways to get the food to them. These families received the items mentioned above, as well as turkey or chicken, dinner rolls, a large tin of holiday cookies, cereal, and some fresh produce donated by a generous neighbor.
The Giving Tree Café was kind enough to provide a cozy and convenient outdoor space for our volunteers to package the Thanksgiving food boxes—and the restaurant even served tea and yummy vegan, gluten-free cookies to the volunteers.
Thirty-two boxes of food were distributed to the families, altogether 65 individuals. Volunteers were available all day to deliver and hand out food to families who came to pick it up. Our most adventurous delivery person took on the families that we were unable to reach by phone. We were all delighted to receive his text letting us know he found both families at home!
The last pickup of the day was especially memorable. A mom with a high school-age daughter and a 6-year-old special needs son came to collect their holiday food. The young boy took such delight in opening his family’s boxes and exclaiming about the contents. He joyously helped to load up the car as Mom and sister cheered him on proudly.
Having completed another Thanksgiving food drive, we wish to give a big shout-out to the donors (many from the Coronado Neighborhood), volunteers, the Giving Tree Café, and our deserving recipients for making this year one to remember.