Thanksgiving Meal Donation: Bring Them a Meal

Starting this year, I'm expanding my charity event to 'bring them a Thanksgiving meal.' After returning from Poland in June 2022, where I cooked with World Central Kitchen for Ukrainian refugees escaping the war, Amy and I provided a recent Ukrainian refugee family with a full Thanksgiving meal on the holiday afternoon to welcome them to Charlotte and America. While we are already cooking one meal for our family, it's easy enough to prepare a second one. It has been a rewarding experience to meet a new family, discuss the significance of the day, share our time with them, learn about their background, and show them that we welcome them to Charlotte and America.

This year, I want to expand this community service initiative so that others can have the same enriching experience. I'm looking for 25 people to step up and 'pay it forward.' Ideally, we can get 50 or more participants. Once you volunteer, I will connect you a week or two before the holiday with a recently relocated refugee family in the Charlotte area, ideally close to your home. Your responsibility is to cook them a full Thanksgiving meal, complete with a whole turkey, traditional sides, wine if you choose, dessert, all hot and ready to eat. You'll also set aside a little time on Thanksgiving to deliver the meal, engage in conversation, and know that you made a difference. The total cost for a meal for four people is under $75, and while food costs are high now, we all recognize that someone always has it tougher, especially refugees who are fortunate enough to arrive in America escaping war, famine, poverty, and violence in search of a better life for their children.

To sign up, please click on the turkey to the right and email the requested information.