RICHMOND, Va. -- Loading up turkeys, cases of water, and boxes of sides by the dozens. Thanksgiving meals donated by Continental Societies, Incorporated and the Upsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated are already hitting doorsteps across Richmond.
The food was distributed by Mission From The Heart volunteers.
More than 120 families received the Thanksgiving boxes.
The week is filled with good-hearted people who simply want to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors in need.
Citizens Against Crime’s Albertina Walker is among them.
She says growing up, she and her sister, the late Alicia Raisin, were taught to give back.
“We grew up and learned that life is about service," she said. "It’s not about storing up treasures for yourself. It is about what you can do for others.”
This Thanksgiving week, the love continues to pour out for families in need.
Monday afternoon, Walker also loaded up and partnered with officers from the Richmond Police Department to make special deliveries for families who were impacted by crime in 2020.
“We provide all the food and they are excited. When we get to the homes, the people can’t believe the police are there to help and to give them a basket. We think it’s a wonderful thing. People need to see officers in roles other than just arresting them,” Walker added.
COVID-19 is changing the way many organizations are handling Thanksgiving this year, but it’s not stopping the show.
Tuesday, Richmond Sheriff Antoinette Irving and volunteers from her nonprofit will deliver meals in the city’s East End and assist those enrolled in various programs through the jail.
“We have partnered with Walmart and the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation and The Beat, 106.5 radio to make sure families can get gift cards to get their own turkeys,” Irving said.
The sheriff said they continue to receive calls from families who need assistance.
She said those in need can also reach out to her organization - AVI Foundation - through their Facebook page.
Donors who want to assist in getting more meals to families can send tax-deductible monetary contributions through the AVI Foundation’s Cash app at $avifoundation.
On Wednesday, parents and PTA leaders at Overby-Sheppard Elementary will join volunteers and give away 200 meals and hundreds of donated coats to Richmond Public School students.
For more information, contact Overby Sheppard at 804-329-2515.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Giving Heart’s community feast, an annual dine-in event at the Greater Convention Center, will offer carry out and curbside meals from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. They also need volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly.
To volunteer for the Giving Heart deliveries, email vneilson@thegivingheart.org. Be sure to put DELIVERY HELP in the subject line. Meals can be delivered starting at 11:30 a.m. and end by 1 p.m.
Also on Thanksgiving Day, Miss Girlee’s Kitchen and Community 50/50 will give away 200 to-go meals at the restaurant from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Miss Girlee’s Kitchen is located at 4809 Parker Street in Richmond.
They can be reached at 804-562-3501.
Rounding out the week, volunteers from nonprofit Wealth Building Solutions will hold its monthly feeding on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Salvation Army parking lot at 2 West Grace Street.
They’ll provide to-go Thanksgiving plates - first come, first serve - for anyone who needs a meal.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact Timika Vincent at tsvincent.tv@gmail.com.
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