Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets Provide Holiday Support for Macomb Families
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb is once again preparing its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Basket event, a tradition that has served the community for over 15 years. This outreach effort is part of the Church's mission of "Connect-Grow-Serve-Share," which aims to help families gather for the holiday meal without the burden of financial stress.
The Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets event provides a complete meal for families in need, including a frozen turkey, canned vegetables, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, and cornbread mix. In 2023, the Church distributed 277 dinners, serving households across Macomb and the surrounding area. There are no criteria to qualify for a basket; anyone in need of a meal is welcome to call the church office during normal business hours to reserve one. Christina Farwell, Discipleship Minister at Maple Avenue Christian Church, emphasized the Church's desire to help the community celebrate the holiday and all who gather around the table for it, saying "we don't turn anyone down." Farwell shared that the initiative allows volunteers to interact personally with recipients and offer prayers for those who request it.
The logistics behind the event are carefully planned and heavily reliant on volunteers and donations. Members of the congregation donate funds for the turkeys and shop for the non-perishable items, which are collected and organized at the Church over a three-week period. Volunteers then help assemble the baskets, and on distribution day, more than 40 people contribute by picking up turkeys, directing traffic, loading the baskets into vehicles, and delivering meals to the homes within Macomb city limits.
For those interested in getting involved, there are several ways to help. Volunteers are needed for tasks such as packing meals, delivering to families, and assisting with traffic control on distribution day. Donations of money or specific food items from the Church's shopping list are also welcome.
The reservation window for a Thanksgiving Dinner Basket is open from October 30 to November 13. Interested individuals should call the Church Office at (309) 837-9318 during office hours (Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The baskets will be distributed on Sunday, November 24, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 1300 Maple Avenue in Macomb, with deliveries happening between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Maple Avenue Christian Church invites the community to participate, either by volunteering or by benefiting from this generous service. "We know the importance of gathering with family and friends to fellowships, and this ministry seeks to promote that while also helping relieve the financial stress of a large holiday meal," shared Farwell.
Whether through volunteering, donating, or receiving a basket, this event is an opportunity to connect with others in the community and share in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
