As the holiday season approaches, the Thanksgiving Bag project, now in its sixth year, is once again calling on the Fort Mill and Tega Cay community to help provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. This initiative, led by Lindsay Gore and Christy Tolentino, has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, with last year’s effort delivering 168 Thanksgiving dinners to families across 14 schools in the Fort Mill School District.
“We started this project after realizing that there were families just a few miles from us who were really struggling, especially during the holidays,” Gore shared. “We wanted to help, and Thanksgiving was the next holiday on the calendar. Since then, the community has stepped up every year, making it possible to expand and help even more families.”
This year, the Thanksgiving Bag project is once again partnering with Tega Graze, 2879 Highway 160, Fort Mill SC, where participants can pick up bags beginning November 1st. Each filled bag should be returned to Tega Graze by Wednesday, November 13th. Families, sports teams, church groups, and businesses are encouraged to participate either by filling a bag with the necessary items or by sponsoring a bag with a $65 donation.
The suggested items to include in each Thanksgiving bag are:
$40 gift card for meat (Wal-Mart or Visa)
2 packets of instant gravy
1 box of stuffing
2 cans of cranberry sauce
2 cans of green beans
2 cans of corn
1 can of yams
1 box of instant mashed potatoes
1 can of pumpkin pie filling
1 shelf-stable pie crust (graham cracker)
1 box of iced tea bags
Any additional items you would like to add!
The bags will provide families with a complete Thanksgiving meal, ensuring that they can enjoy the holiday season without the stress of wondering how they will afford a traditional dinner. For those unable to fill a bag, sponsoring a meal is a simple way to contribute and make a difference.
“We work directly with school counselors to identify families who could benefit from this project,” Tolentino explained. “Each year, it’s heartwarming to see how many people from our community come together to help. It truly shows the spirit of generosity that thrives in our town.”
With the goal of matching or surpassing last year’s efforts, the Thanksgiving Bag project organizers are hopeful that 2024 will be another successful year. The project serves as a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in the lives of local families.
To get involved or to sponsor a bag, community members can Venmo $65 to Christy Tolentino @christy-tolentino or pick up a bag at Tega Graze.
“We truly live in the best city,” Gore added. “This project has become a tradition not only for us but for many others who return year after year to help.”
Let’s all come together this holiday season to support those in need and ensure everyone in our community can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
