Danah Trammell and Tiffany Murphy reflect on what makes Thanksgiving special and how YOU can be part of spreading that joy.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, to give thanks, and to share what we have. It’s a time filled with memories—for many of us, the smell of sage in the dressing, turkey roasting in the oven, and fresh pies cooling on the table brings us right back to our childhood kitchens. These scents are more than just food—they’re comfort, tradition, and love.
As we prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving Meal Drive, those memories come with us. When we think about what to include in the baskets—corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie—we think about what makes a meal feel like Thanksgiving. We think about families gathered together. We think about joy.
But not every family has the means to create that moment on their own. We remember one mom who came in holding back tears. She had three small children and shared that the basket she received from HCM would be the only food they’d have during the holiday. Her gratitude was quiet and overwhelming. “This,” she said, “is everything.” That moment has stayed with us.
We don’t always realize the silent struggles happening behind the scenes—parents trying to stretch one more meal, neighbors choosing between groceries and rent. But the act of receiving a full Thanksgiving meal, lovingly gathered and freely given, brings more than food. It brings dignity. Relief. And sometimes, it brings a little bit of joy back into the season.
This year, we’re bringing back the Thanksgiving Meal Drive with a goal of providing full meal kits to 40 families in need. Each basket will include:
- 1 turkey
- 2 cans of corn
- 2 cans of green beans
- 1 box of mac & cheese
- 2 bags or boxes of stuffing
- 1 can of cranberry sauce
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can of pumpkin
- 1 package of dinner rolls (shelf-stable, not refrigerated)
Can you provide a Thanksgiving basket—or maybe even a few?
That’s the ask. Just one complete basket from you, your household, your book club, your Sunday School class, or your workplace. If you feel inspired to commit to two, five, or even ten baskets, we welcome it with open arms.
Every single basket = one joyful holiday for a family that needs it.
You can drop off completed baskets at our Highlands Community Ministries office during designated times in October and early November. We’ll take care of getting them into the hands of families who need them.
Designated Times: Wednesday through Friday, from 10am-1pm between now and November 12, 2025.
When you donate a basket, you’re not just giving food. You’re giving a family a moment of peace, connection, and hope. You’re helping create memories—ones that may last a lifetime.
Let’s fill the air with the aroma of Thanksgiving, together.
