Giving Thanks: A Thanksgiving Food Drive for Foster and Adoptive Families

As the crisp autumn air settled over Los Angeles in November 2022, the city began to prepare for Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude, family, and togetherness. For many, it was a season to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to give back to those in need. But for Moms in LA, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families, this Thanksgiving held a special purpose.

The team at Moms in LA had been brainstorming ways to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season. They knew that while many organizations focused on helping low-income families, there was another group that often went overlooked—foster and adoptive families. These families, who opened their hearts and homes to children in need, faced unique challenges. The holidays, in particular, could be a difficult time, as they worked to create a sense of normalcy and warmth for children who might be experiencing Thanksgiving in a new environment for the first time.

With this in mind, Moms in LA decided to organize a Thanksgiving Food Drive specifically for these families. The goal was simple: to provide them with everything they needed for a festive and comforting Thanksgiving meal, while also sending a message of love, support, and gratitude for the incredible role they played in the lives of vulnerable children.

The food drive was set to take place in mid-November, giving the organization enough time to collect and distribute the donations before Thanksgiving. Moms in LA reached out to local grocery stores, restaurants, and community members, asking for contributions of traditional Thanksgiving foods—turkeys, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, pies, and more. The response was overwhelming. Within days, donations began pouring in, far exceeding the team’s expectations.

One of the first contributors was a local bakery known for its delicious pies. The owner, Susan, had been a supporter of Moms in LA for years. When she heard about the food drive, she immediately offered to bake 50 pies, each one handmade with love. “These families deserve a special treat,” she said, “and I want to make sure they have the best pie on their table.”

As the food drive gained momentum, the team at Moms in LA worked tirelessly to organize and pack the donations. Each Thanksgiving care package was thoughtfully assembled, containing not only food but also handwritten notes of appreciation and encouragement. These notes, written by volunteers and supporters of Moms in LA, expressed gratitude for the families’ selflessness and dedication, reminding them that they were not alone in their journey.

One of the most memorable moments came when the team delivered a care package to the Johnson family, who had recently adopted two young siblings, Emily and Noah. The children, still adjusting to their new home, were excited about the prospect of celebrating their first Thanksgiving as a family. When the Moms in LA team arrived with the care package, the look of surprise and joy on their faces was priceless.

“Thank you so much,” Mrs. Johnson said, her voice filled with emotion. “This means the world to us. We want to make this Thanksgiving special for Emily and Noah, and you’ve made that possible.”

The Johnsons weren’t the only ones touched by the kindness of Moms in LA. Across the city, dozens of foster and adoptive families received their Thanksgiving care packages, each delivery bringing smiles, tears, and a renewed sense of community. For many of these families, it was a reminder that they were seen and appreciated, that their hard work and sacrifices were acknowledged and valued.

As Thanksgiving Day approached, Moms in LA reflected on the success of the food drive. It wasn’t just about providing meals; it was about creating moments of joy and connection for families who needed it most. The team knew that the holiday season could be a challenging time, especially for children in foster care or those recently adopted. By reaching out with care packages, Moms in LA hoped to alleviate some of the stress and bring a little extra warmth to their homes.

The impact of the food drive extended beyond Thanksgiving. In the weeks that followed, Moms in LA continued to receive messages of thanks from the families they had supported. Many shared photos of their Thanksgiving meals, with children beaming as they sat around tables filled with food and love. Others expressed how much the handwritten notes had meant to them, offering comfort and encouragement during a time when they needed it most.

Looking back, the Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving Food Drive was a testament to the power of community and compassion. It demonstrated how a simple act of kindness could make a profound difference in the lives of those who give so much to others. For Moms in LA, it was a reminder of their mission to support foster and adoptive families, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.

As they packed away the last of the leftover donations and began planning for the next year, the team at Moms in LA felt a deep sense of fulfillment. They knew that they had made a difference, not just by filling bellies, but by filling hearts with hope and gratitude. And that, after all, was what Thanksgiving was truly about.