Columbia Community Bands Together to Provide Holiday Meals for Families in Need

Columbia Families Get a Helping Hand This Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls into Columbia, S.C., many families are gearing up to plan their festive meals. However, for some locals, putting together a holiday dinner can be an overwhelming financial task. The good news is that several community organizations are stepping up to ensure that everyone can enjoy a special meal this Thanksgiving.

Food Giveaways: Making Sure No One Goes Hungry

The need is great, but so is the generosity of the Midlands area. There’s a series of upcoming food giveaways that families can take advantage of. Remember, these events are popular, and supplies are often limited, so arriving early is always a good idea!

• Tuesday, November 19: Join the Richland County Recreation Commission for their Give Thanks Giveaway, happening at 2 p.m. at the Garners Ferry Sports Complex, located at 8620 Garners Ferry Rd. in Hopkins.
• Wednesday, November 20: Don’t miss out on the Bountiful Harvest featuring Serve & Connect from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Icehouse Pavilion in downtown Lexington. They’ll be handing out boxes of holiday groceries, frozen chicken, and there will even be a catered meal from Hudson’s Smokehouse!
• Thursday, November 21: RCRC is back with another Give Thanks Giveaway at St. Andrews Park at 2 p.m. You won’t want to miss this opportunity!
• Saturday, November 23: Again at 10 a.m., head over to Crane Creek Gymnasium at 7405-B Fairfield Rd. in Columbia for the RCRC Give Thanks Giveaway. Plenty of goodies await!
• Sunday, November 24: From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina and Serve & Connect will be giving away nonperishable holiday food boxes and turkeys at their headquarters, 8131 Brookfield Rd. Make sure you stop by while supplies last!
• Monday, November 25: The Feed the Families Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway by Victory Promotions and Palmetto Talent Agency runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at SPACE 803, located at 2732 Decker Blvd.
• Tuesday, November 26: The Stanley Law Group and Toliver’s Mane Event are hosting a Turkey Giveaway starting at 10 a.m. at 6102 North Main St. It’s a drive-thru event, so grab one turkey per vehicle while supplies last!
• Thanksgiving Day, November 28: Chappelle Memorial AME Church is hosting a Community Outreach Dinner in memory of the late Edith General from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come on in or drive through at 1101 Pine St.

Community Coming Together

The joy of sharing a meal during the holidays can be diminished by financial burdens, but these events showcase the incredible spirit of Columbia. It’s heartwarming to see so many organizations and volunteers coming together to ensure families have what they need to celebrate the season.

So, if you or someone you know is in need, mark your calendars and make plans to attend one— or all—of these amazing giveaways! The holidays are about community, love, and sharing, and there’s nothing quite like a warm meal to bring people together.

From all of us in this beautiful city to you and yours, wishing you a happy holiday season filled with joy and warmth!