The NAACP Youth Council in Bloomington-Normal is getting some help to expand its food giveaway for families in need – just in time for Thanksgiving.
The NAACP Youth Council will co-host a Thanksgiving community collaboration on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington. Anyone that registers in advance will get their choice of either a new crockpot and cookbook or a haul of Thanksgiving groceries. You can register by calling 309-531-8303 by 12 p.m. Saturday.
Organizers say it’s partly in response to the lengthy government shutdown, which disrupted SNAP food benefits.
“It is a powerful demonstration of individuals – young people, seniors, people who are just coming together in our community – standing in solidarity at a time when it feels like there is no solidarity in our country, coming together with compassion and a shared humanity,” said Arlene Hosea, one of the organizers and a board member at giveaway partner Westminster Village.
There will be 50 crockpots ready to be distributed. They were gathered with help from First Presbyterian Church and Bradley Ross Jackson, a founder of the NAACP Youth Council and its first president.
At Wednesday’s event, chef staff from Westminster Village will be on hand with food samples and to field questions and share recipes for what recipients can make with their new crockpot.
“All of us are committed to seeing the whole person and engaging with the individuals and their families, and just letting them know we care,” Hosea said.
The NAACP Youth Council has been doing an annual food distribution since 2021. This effort builds on that success, coming out of the shutdown.
“We realize that the 43-day shutdown of our government has impacted people, and it has been detrimental to some, so whenever we can fill the gap and make a difference, that’s how we know we're truly contributing,” said Carla Campbell-Jackson, first vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP. “And it's all coming from a very organic place. We're doing it not for fame or fortune, but we're doing it because we care and that matters.”
Also partnering on the event are the Morris family, including Jeanne Morris and her son David; “B”radley “E”ncourages (B.E.) KINDness; and Robert Hunt.
“This is such an amazing collection of what I call like-minded individuals who are truly focused on the community, community engagement and community empowerment,” said Campbell-Jackson.
Added David Morris: “Mom and I are just happy to be part of it as the Morris family.”
Supplies are limited, and those in need can register by calling (309) 531-8303 before noon Saturday. Distribution will run from 3-5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Western Avenue Community Center.
