Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together and give thanks for what they have. And this Thanksgiving season, you can help those less fortunate by donating non-perishable items to a food drive.

Benefits of a Thanksgiving Food Drive

Hunger is a significant problem. There are over 40 million Americans who are food insecure. This means they don't know where their next meal is coming from. And it's not just adults who are going hungry - one in six children in the U.S. struggles with hunger too.

Hunger profoundly affects people's health and well-being, and it can affect their ability to learn or work at their best. Donating to a food drive can help end hunger in America by providing access to nutritious food for those who need it most.

Organizations for Our Thanksgiving Food Drive

The food gathered will be dispersed to local organizations that assist with hunger and poverty. Charity organizations are a worthwhile way to give back to your community. These organizations help people in need by providing food, shelter, clothing, and other services.

Our Mokena, IL showroom is working with the Frankfort Township Food Pantry in Frankfort, IL, which provides food for low-income families.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

11000 W. Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, IL 60423 (815) 469-4907

Our Highland, Indiana, showroom is working with Grace Beyond Borders in East Chicago, IN, focusing on homelessness prevention.

Grace Beyond Borders

513 W Chicago Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 392-9932

List of Useful Items

Basics:

  • Boxed instant mashed potatoes
  • Boxed stuffing mix (like Stovetop)
  • Canned cranberry sauce (pop-top lids are best, not everyone has a can opener)
  • Canned pumpkin or fruit pie filling
  • Canned veggies (green beans, corn, peas)
  • Canned yams
  • Cornbread mix
  • Dry macaroni
  • Pie crust mix
  • Salt and pepper
  • Turkey gravy in jars or dried gravy mix packets

Extras:

  • Bag of sugar
  • Bags of dried beans
  • Box of cereal
  • Box of crackers with a can of squeeze cheese
  • Box of graham crackers
  • Box of tea bags
  • Boxed powdered milk
  • Boxes of Jell-O or pudding mix
  • Brownie mix
  • Cake mix with a can of frosting
  • Can of dried coffee creamer
  • Can of instant coffee (not everyone has a coffee maker)
  • Flour
  • Green bean casserole ingredients — cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, french fried onions
  • Jar of jam
  • Jar of mayo
  • Jar of peanut butter
  • Powdered drink mixes
  • Rice
  • Sandwich bread
  • Vegetable oil

Non-Food Items:

  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Foil baking pans
  • Napkins
  • Paper plates
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic utensils
  • Toilet paper

Non-perishable items are the preferred type of donation for a food drive because they will last longer than perishable items. Items that are not expired are also best because they will benefit the people who receive them more.

In addition, keep in mind that people are always hungry and not only during the holiday season. It isn't necessary to spend a lot of money, and you don't have to get every item on this list. However, be as generous as you can throughout the year. Even if you can't do big things, do what you can. Every little bit counts!