Program will provide 1,000 families with enough to cover food needs for the Thanksgiving holiday break
The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is asking the community to help them reach their goal of supporting 1,000 families for the 37th annual Thanks for Giving program. By providing enough food for a Thanksgiving meal, as well as enough food to cover the entire holiday week, the program ensures that children who are reliant on free or reduced lunch programs at school have access to nourishment while out on school break. Thanks for Giving also provides an avenue for families to keep or create their own holiday traditions in ways that are meaningful to them.
The program’s presenting sponsors for 2023 include Genuine Parts Company, Lockheed Martin and Publix Super Markets Charities. Community members can participate by becoming an Event Sponsor, hosting a Thanks for Giving Drive or making a charitable donation to the “I’m Thankful For…” Giving Campaign. Local schools can also support the CFR’s efforts by hosting a School Drive.
“More and more families are struggling with financial instability, especially in today’s changing economy. None of them should have to sacrifice their Thanksgiving traditions,” said Melanie Kagan, CEO of the Center for Family Resources. “Thanks for Giving allows us the opportunity to help families keep these traditions alive while ensuring that children have access to nourishing meals while out on school break. We wouldn’t be able to reach the number of families we do without the help of our incredible supporters. We are so grateful to each and every one of our sponsors, donors and volunteers.”
Thanks for Giving supports families who register directly through the CFR or who receive support from local area schools and other nonprofit partners, including Cobb Senior Services, Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb and LiveSafe Resources. This event is a perfect way to invite colleagues, neighbors, family members and civic groups to participate and be involved with a great cause for the holiday season. Last year, over 60 food drives were hosted by schools and businesses, and more than 40 individuals/families donated 55,000 pounds of food, and 800 gift cards valued at $10,870.
Food drive hosts will commit to collecting items listed under the suggested Food Donation List and deliver them to the First Baptist Church Marietta at 148 Church St., Marietta, until November 9 or to the IAM Local Lodge #709, Marietta, November 13-16, 2023. Donated items will be distributed to families the week before Thanksgiving break.
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit thecfr.org/t4g.
