More than 400 vulnerable children, their families and individuals served in Human Services will be on a list to receive a Thanksgiving meal this year, thanks to the generous donations by Human Services staff, partnering County departments/offices and donors in the community.

Every year, Human Services staff rally their support to bring complete Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of clients and their families/caregivers who would otherwise go without on this holiday. Weeks of preparation and collections of canned goods, gift cards for turkeys and additional non-perishable items are then distributed door to door by Human Services staff, volunteer family members and others in the County.

“We have partnered with Brave Church in Englewood to coordinate deliveries all over the County and even beyond county lines to reach those we serve, and we are happy to do it,” said Kala Slater, volunteer and community outreach supervisor for Human Services. “This is an incredible effort that brings so many of our vulnerable families joy as they are able to prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones.”

Qualifying families/individuals are referred to the program by Human Services staff. While staff donations adequately fulfilled requests for many years, the growing list of families referred to the program during the pandemic has opened up opportunities for outside donations.

In 2021, the program fed 1,524 people (315 families). 

What to Donate

If you or someone you know would like to donate, here is a shopping list of non-perishable items being collected through Oct. 27, 2022. You may donate a complete meal, certain items on the list, or gift cards so that families may purchase a turkey or other thanksgiving essentials.

To complete a Thanksgiving meal:

• 1 large box of instant mashed potatoes
• 1 large box of stuffing
• 2 cans of green beans
• 2 cans of corn
• 2 cans of fruit
• 1 large box of Jello or pudding
• 1 large can of yams
• 1 packet of turkey gravy mix
• 1 can of cranberry sauce
• 1 box of cornbread mix
• $25 gift card to King Soopers, Safeway or Walmart (for turkey/ham)
• 1 large reusable grocery bag to carry complete meals

Extras:

• Snack-size items such as granola bars, squeeze apple sauce, crackers, easy mac, etc. to support those who may not have a kitchen to prepare a meal.

Drop Off Locations

Drop off locations are open Monday-Friday during regular business hours, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.:

• Human Services Department at CentrePoint Plaza – 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, 2nd floor reception
• Human Service satellite office at Arapahoe Plaza – 1690 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 2nd floor reception
• Arapahoe County Administration Building – 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, first floor lobby by the information desk
• Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office – 13101 E Broncos Pkwy, Centennial, mail lobby

For questions and/or bulk donations, please contact Kala Slater at kslater@arapahoegov.com for coordination.

Make a Monetary Donation

Have the heart but not the time? Thank for any monetary donation you can give. Donate Now.

Thank you in advance for all your support to raise awareness about hunger in our community and encouraging others to help.