Families across Atlanta received holiday support this week through two turkey distribution events held on Monday and Tuesday. Both events brought together volunteers, local organizations, and City of Atlanta partners to make sure residents had what they needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal.
Support for Families in Southeast Atlanta
The week began on Monday, November 24, with a turkey drive at Rosel Fann Recreation Center. Five hundred families received turkeys and grocery bags filled with items for their holiday meals. The event was hosted in partnership with Da Brat, Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, and several local sponsors, including Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Kaleidoscope Hair Care, Whiskey Mistress Restaurant, Celebs Give Back, and Bella Nissan.
Volunteers helped place groceries in cars, answered questions, and made sure seniors and caregivers were able to move safely through the line. For many families, this support helped ease the cost of preparing for the holiday.
A 20-Year Tradition in Southwest Atlanta
On Tuesday, November 25, the 20th Annual Southwest Atlanta Turkey Distribution took place at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. This long-running event began with the late Council member C. T. Martin and the Morgan and Harris families. Today, it is led by Council member Andrea Boone and Atlanta native Clifford “T.I.” Harris.
What started with 100 turkeys twenty years ago has grown into one of the city’s largest Thanksgiving traditions. More than 1,500 families received turkeys, fresh produce, and holiday meal kits this year.
Volunteers started early in the morning assembling bags of greens, sweet potatoes, and other Thanksgiving staples. Seniors arrived by shuttle bus at midday, and families continued through the drive-up distribution line well into the afternoon. Mayor Andre Dickens joined Council member Boone, T.I., and community partners to thank the volunteers and greet residents.
Council member Boone shared her appreciation for the people who make this event possible, saying, “This tradition ensures that families across District 10 can celebrate the holidays with joy and gratitude. I am deeply thankful for T.I.’s unwavering commitment to giving back and the incredible support from our volunteers and partners who make this event possible.”
As grocery prices rise, many families look for ways to stretch their budgets during the holiday season. These events help ease that burden and create a moment of connection and support for neighbors across the city. They also highlight how community partners and city leaders work together to meet the needs of residents, especially during times of celebration.
Across both events, more than 2,000 families received food and support to prepare for Thanksgiving.
