Giving Thanks, Giving Back: Our First Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
At the Stepping Stone Center, we believe Thanksgiving is about more than a meal—it’s about gratitude, family, and community. For many families, especially those impacted by incarceration, the holiday season can be filled with both joy and struggle. The challenges of reentry, financial hardship, and family separation often mean that what many of us take for granted—a table filled with food and loved ones—can feel out of reach.
This year, we’re excited to announce our First Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Our goal is to collect everything needed to make a Thanksgiving meal special: turkeys, side dishes, desserts, and pantry staples. By providing these essentials, we hope to bring comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging to families who need it most.
Why Thanksgiving Matters for Justice-Impacted Families
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and give thanks. But for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, the holiday season can highlight painful realities:
Parents separated from children
Financial struggles after reentry
Stigma and isolation from extended family or community
A warm meal can’t solve every challenge, but it can offer a moment of normalcy, connection, and joy. It can remind families that they are not forgotten—and that they are part of a community that cares.
What We’re Collecting
We are asking our community partners, neighbors, and supporters to help us gather:
Turkeys and hams
Boxed stuffing and mashed potatoes
Canned vegetables and cranberry sauce
Gravy and baking mixes
Pies and desserts
Grocery store gift cards
Every donation, big or small, helps create a full Thanksgiving meal for families who might otherwise go without.
How You Can Help
There are so many ways to be part of this drive:
Donate Food: Drop off nonperishable items or store gift cards.
Sponsor a Meal: A $50 donation can provide a complete Thanksgiving basket for a family.
Volunteer: Help us assemble baskets, distribute meals, and share joy.
Spread the Word: Tell your friends, coworkers, and networks about our food drive.
Together, We Can Create a Season of Hope
At Stepping Stone Center, we believe family is the cornerstone of rebuilding lives. By coming together this Thanksgiving, we can ensure that justice-impacted families experience the warmth, love, and dignity they deserve.
Let’s make this holiday season about more than food—it’s about giving hope, restoring connections, and celebrating second chances.
Want to get involved?
📧 Contact us at info@steppingstonecenters.org to donate food or volunteer.
💻 Make a financial contribution here: https://givebutter.com/RSpowV
Together, let’s make our first annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a tradition of giving that lasts for years to come.
