A Thanksgiving Full of Love

Our “Turkey & Trimmings” Giveaway

This year, Thanksgiving feels different.

Every November, as I set my own table—laden with dishes I’ve made for years—I rarely stop to consider where it all comes from. The grocery runs, the traditions, the bustle of cooking, the football games, the parades… it can all feel ordinary. Familiar. Expected.

But over the past month, as our team prepared for our annual Turkey & Trimmings giveaway, that perspective shifted. I’ve been reminded, again and again, that for many in our community, this holiday brings something entirely different.

For a veteran, it can be a day marked by loneliness.
For a parent, a reminder of what they desperately wish they could provide.
For families facing food insecurity, it can stir the anxiety of not knowing where the next meal will come from.

And yet—this year—something extraordinary happened.

Our community showed up in a way that left us overwhelmed with gratitude. Churches, businesses, service clubs, and local organizations rallied together, pouring in support, donations, and love. Because of their generosity, we were able to provide over 425 full Thanksgiving meals to families in need—up nearly 20% from previous years. Last year we served 335. This year, the need grew—and the community met that need with open hearts and outstretched hands.

More Than Thanksgiving Meals

When guests arrived, they were greeted not just with boxes of fresh produce, turkeys, desserts, sides, and all the trimmings—they were greeted with joy. For three days volunteers donned turkey hats, festive aprons, and big smiles. They welcomed each family warmly, walked with them, loaded cars, offered hugs, and shared in the moment. It was a 360-degree act of service: joyful, compassionate, and deeply human.

And the response… the response is what will stay with us.

There were hugs that lingered.
Tears of relief that fell quietly.
Kids bouncing with excitement as they saw the food being loaded.
Parents whispering, “Thank you… you don’t know what this means.”

One mother cried when she learned she would also receive a Safeway gift card—something that allowed her to pick up a special item she otherwise could not afford. We’ve all had moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry, and then someone steps in with unexpected kindness. For her, that small act was everything.

Another guest—one who had registered to receive a meal—reached out during the CalFresh benefit cuts earlier this fall. He told us, “I think there’s a family who needs my meal more. Could you give it to them instead?” Even in his own uncertainty, he chose generosity.

This is what real community looks like.

A Community That Cares

To everyone who made this year’s Turkey & Trimmings giveaway possible: thank you. You brought hope to tables across Folsom. You reminded families that they are not alone. And you reminded all of us that giving is not just about what we offer—it’s about how deeply we choose to care.

With full hearts and deep gratitude, we want to recognize and thank the organizations who donated time, money, volunteers, and food to make this giveaway possible:

Lakeside Church
Bayside Church of Folsom
Safeway
Harbor Church
Folsom Lake Rotary
Folsom Kiwanis
Folsom High ACCT

Micron
Inductive Automation
Rehya Dance
Folsom Lions Club
Community Bible Church
Journey Church
Trinity Episcopal Church

Columbia Bank
Rotary Club of Folsom
Rotary Club of Historic Folsom
Folsom Lake Rotary
Diamond Glenn
Folsom Prison
Tricks Gymnastics

Thank you for helping us feed hope this Thanksgiving. You made a difference—and you reminded us all what the holiday is truly about.

Article By: Rachel Hill