If you celebrate, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. That means families and friends are putting on their chef hats for a thankful meal. It can also be a time to receive and give back.
If you're in need or looking for a place to give, we've put together a list of organizations that are handing out free Thanksgiving dinner boxes. These organizations are also accepting monetary donations, non-perishable food and volunteers.
One such group is Brother Jeff's Cultural Center. Brother Jeff Fard will be hosting the center's annual "No One Should Be Hungry, Period" campaign on Thanksgiving Day.
"People can volunteer. They can receive meals. They can deliver and we have a pantry year-round if they've got non-perishable items they'd like to donate," Brother Jeff said. "When we say no one should be hungry, period, it's not rooted in poverty or neglect or need. It's really surrounding food...We bring community together around food as a community building day."
With the high cost of food and living in general, things are stretched thin and the holidays can exacerbate the stress.
Brother Jeff emphasized that anyone can sign up to receive a meal whether they are in need, simply too tired to cook or are just looking to connect with their community.
Many of the organizations below offer food assistance year-round. They also accept donations year-round as well. Brother Jeff said the food pantry at the Cultural Center is open daily. Folks can come by and browse for whatever they need, just as they would if they were going food shopping.
Brother Jeff added that the spirit of giving is consistent through all of the organizations that provide services and the people who help those services with their time, goods and money.
"As long as there is a need, there will be good people who will show up to fulfill those needs," Brother Jeff said.
If you're in need or have something to give, check out the list below. If we missed any, let us know at [email protected]! We'll continue to update this list.
The African Community Center
18th Annual Refugee First Thanksgiving
Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
4610 E. Alameda Ave.
Folks can sign up for a free meal at the 18th Annual Refugee First Thanksgiving. In honor of any Muslim attendees, the event will be alcohol-free and fully halal.
There are two dinner shifts to choose from and a ticket is needed, which can be found here.
Hygiene donation bags will also be accepted at the event for refugee families. Volunteers are also needed for the event.
The Center also partners with Ruby's Market to provide refugee families with culturally appropriate food packages. To support that program, check out the donation list and head to Ruby's at 1569 S. Pearl St. to drop the box off during business hours.
Brother Jeff's Cultural Center
Nov. 23, noon to 3 p.m.
2836 Welton St.
Brother Jeff Fard will be hosting the annual "No One Should Be Hungry, Period" campaign on Thanksgiving Day.
If you need a meal, whether via pickup or delivery, or if you'd like to volunteer, fill out this form. The Center is also accepting non-perishable food for the pantry. All items can be dropped off at the Center.
Denver Food Rescue & Birdseed Collective
Winter Donation Drive
Ends Dec. 6
Not necessarily Thanksgiving related but Denver Food Rescue, Birdseed Collective are accepting winter goods and basic need donations for migrants. They're looking for coats, boots, diapers feminine products, shampoo, body wash and dental care.
Drop-off locations include DFR at 3840 York St. and three Heyday locations: 3930 Tennyson St.; 63 N. Quebec St.; 2770 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver Rescue Mission
Food Donation Drive
Nov. 17 - Nov. 22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2222 Lawrence St.
Thanksgiving Banquet in a Box
Nov. 22, noon
Empower Field at Mile High, Parking Lot B
1701 Bryant St.
Denver Rescue Mission is in need of about 2,000 turkeys for their annual Thanksgiving Banquet in a Box drive. They are accepting turkey donations and other food goods leading up to their turkey drive.
They'll also be hosting a Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box at Empower Field in partnership with the Denver Broncos. Each basket has a frozen turkey and Thanksgiving meal fixings for a family of eight to 10 people.
Registration is full at this point, but folks can arrive between noon and 1:00 p.m. for boxes on a first-come, first-served basis. It'll be a drive-thru process.
Jewish Family Service - Donations only
Virtual Food Drive
If you have the means, JFS is running a virtual food drive where you can add food items to a cart that will later be donated.
