Why We Fill Baskets Every November

The Turner Foundation’s Thanksgiving Tradition

It started with a simple question: What else can we do to support our families?

Given that the families in our communities are largely low-income residents, the otherwise festive holiday season can be potentially more demanding. Mavel, our director of programs, wanted to ease at least one of those burdens during the holidays. From this desire, the Thanksgiving Basket drive was born.

Her daring idea encapsulated not just a few families, but every single one.

When we started the drive in 2020, we didn't know if we could pull it off. But we raised the money, packed 112 baskets, and delivered them to every apartment across our two communities. It has grown into a tradition of serving over 550 meals alongside students, volunteers, donors, and residents who want to serve, and we've done it every year since.

We are grateful for Mavel, who is pictured helping to fill up baskets

What’s in a basket?

Each Thanksgiving basket includes all the classics: turkey, pumpkin pie, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, bread rolls, canned vegetables, and more. In addition to all the food, here’s what makes our Thanksgiving drive special: every basket comes with a handwritten note of encouragement.

Last year, The Turner Foundation partnered with volunteers from Oceanhills Church's "Serve the City" event, which has volunteers ranging from 6 to 60-year-olds, writing cards and packing baskets. Seeing multiple generations work together with one common goal is a blessing in and of itself. Elders volunteering alongside children, all united in a simple act of care.

It Takes a Community

"The food itself is a blessing," says Matt, our Community Relations Coordinator, "but what we get to facilitate is familial connection over the food. That (connection) is really what Thanksgiving's all about: getting together with family, over a meal that takes preparation and time and beauty to create."

The reactions on delivery day tell the story best. Residents open their doors to find not just food, but proof that someone took the time to think of them, write to them, and see them. 

"For some residents, it's a handoff and a blessing." Matt reflects, "For others, it was a beautiful way to connect." A simple basket handoff can turn into beautiful conversations with our residents. These moments pave the way for lasting friendships. Sometimes it only takes a turkey basket to act as a bridge for connection.

A Day of Giving: Thanksgiving Delivery

This project is a community-wide effort. Staff members walk into grocery stores and call churches throughout October. Volunteers from Oceanhills and beyond prepare bags and write notes. Even residents often join in to help deliver baskets to their neighbors.

On delivery day, it's organized chaos in the best way. While one car drives from store to store stocking up on turkeys, another car heads to Costco to fill up to the brim with pumpkin pies. Everyone converges with vans full of turkeys and pies, and begins working to compile them into 112 baskets. Then it's door-to-door until every single family has been served.

"So many hands are involved in this amazing project," Matt says. "People from many aspects of the community get to play a role. It's very multifaceted... It's a special day, and I'm grateful to be a part of it."