It’s finally that time of year again folks, and we couldn’t be any more excited for the holidays! Last year, Covid-19 had a tremendous impact on gathering with family and friends. This year, things are beginning to look a little different. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought we’d provide y’all with a list of local food drives and volunteer opportunities for those looking to give back to those in need. After all, it is the season for giving!
San Antonio Food Bank
In our community, one in four children and one in five adults struggle with hunger, which means many families simply do not have the resources to provide holiday meals for their loved ones. This year, the San Antonio Food Bank is partnering with Fox 29 to provide food boxes, which supplement a holiday meal for a family in need. A $25 donation will fill an entire box, but of course feel free to give what you can.
If you’re looking to donate specific items instead, the most wanted non-perishable food items the Food Bank requests are cereal, peanut butter, canned tuna, beans, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, chili, soups, baby food/diapers, canned lunch meats, and pet food. Pop-top food items are a major plus!
Not able to give items or make a donation? No problem! The Food Bank is also in need of volunteers, especially during the holiday season. If you have questions about volunteering, contact the Food Bank via the info below:
Phone: 210-431-8388
Email: volunteer@safoodbank.org
Love Shack Boutique 9th Annual Holiday Food Drive
From November 1st through the 30th, Love Shack Boutique is hosting a food drive, which will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank as well as DaisyCares. DaisyCares and the San Antonio Food Bank have collaborated to create a designated pet food program. DaisyCares is designed to provide cat and dog food to families and individuals who might otherwise be faced with the decision of abandoning or surrendering their family’s beloved pets.
To show appreciation for your donation, you will receive $1 off for every non-perishable food item donated, with a maximum $10 savings on your purchase. Minimum $20 purchase required for in-store purchases only.
Phone: 210-767-9411
Email: info@theloveshackboutique.com
Location: 1580 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229
San Antonio Natatorium
Donations for the Food Bank can also be dropped off at the San Antonio Natatorium. Give back to the community during the holiday season by bringing in two non-perishable items to the San Antonio Natatorium and/or Barrera Fitness Center and receive a one day free admission.
Natatorium Location: 1430 W Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78207
Barrera Fitness Center Location: 5800 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78227
The Jacqueline Smith Foundation
The Jacqueline Smith Foundation is excited to announce their 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! They have invited the entire community to participate by volunteering, donating food items for families, and/or monetary donations. Last year they served about 65 veterans and their families. This year they are aiming to serve about 400 veterans, their families, and the surrounding community with meals for Thanksgiving!
Items Needed: turkeys, canned corn, canned pumpkin, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy mix, stuffing, cornbread, cranberries, yams, pie crusts, roasting pans, and evaporated milk
Event Time: November 20, 2021 from 9am to 1pm (The deadline to donate items will be November 18th at 5pm.)
Location: Ella Austin Community Center (1023 N. Pine, San Antonio, TX 78202)
Monetary Donations: https://thejsmithfoundation.org/donate
Phone: 210-646-8408
Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
Beginning in 1979, Raul Jimenez began giving back to the city to thank the people of San Antonio for all of his blessings. In its first year, the organization was able to feed about 200 citizens. Fast forward to 2019, over 25,000 people were served.
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown some obstacles at the organizers of the dinner, but the goal is still the same – to help as many families as possible. The dinner will be delivered this year, which means the organizers are in need of volunteers to help drive vehicles and deliver meals. If you’re looking to help out a little during this holiday season and are unable to provide food products, this is the perfect opportunity for you. The link below will take you to the registration page to sign up. Happy Volunteering!
Link to Volunteer: https://www.rauljimenezdinner.com/volunteer