More than 1,000 families in Greater Lowell, Massachusetts, received Thanksgiving dinners on November 22, 2023, thanks to a collaborative effort by the United Way, Dwelling House of Hope, local churches, and social service agencies. The initiative aims to ensure that every family enjoys a festive meal during the holiday season.
Community Support Mobilizes for Thanksgiving
At the turkey distribution event, held at the Dwelling House of Hope’s headquarters, volunteers lined the streets to guide cars as they approached the distribution site. Marie Elianor, a senior director at United Way, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Every family deserves a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.” She worked alongside Levenia Furusa, executive director of Dwelling House of Hope.
Despite the chilly and rainy weather, nearly 50 volunteers from various backgrounds worked diligently to prepare meal bags for families. Many had participated in previous distributions and shared a sense of fulfillment in giving back to the community. One such volunteer, Jose De Jesús Cervantes, who previously ran for a City Council seat, expressed his commitment to service, stating, “I ran to serve. I can’t stop serving because I lost.”
The event attracted not only dedicated community members but also local politicians. State Representatives Rodney Elliott and Vanna Howard collaborated as volunteers, demonstrating unity despite their upcoming electoral competition for a state Senate seat.
Efficient Distribution and Community Impact
As vehicles lined up along Mount Hope Street, drivers prepared to receive their Thanksgiving meals. Many recipients provided tickets indicating their meal preferences during the sign-up period earlier in November. While most families received turkey along with traditional side dishes, some opted for fresh produce instead. For those who had not registered, volunteers ensured they still received meals, offering chicken as an alternative to turkey.
The distribution began at 07:00 and continued until noon, when a stack of empty boxes signified the success of the event. Although the line of cars dwindled, several families still sought meals from nearby social service agencies and churches that were also participating in the Thanksgiving initiative.
According to Elianor, the United Way has sponsored Thanksgiving events for 26 years, starting with 10 families in Boston and expanding to serve over 10,000 families across 19 communities. The Lowell distribution is among the largest in the program. “We’re happy to partner with Dwelling House of Hope and other agencies,” Elianor remarked.
The Dwelling House of Hope is dedicated not only to providing food but also to addressing broader issues, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and substance abuse. This commitment reflects a holistic approach to community well-being.
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner distribution exemplifies the power of community collaboration in ensuring that families in need can celebrate the holiday with warmth and togetherness.
