Hundreds of Families Gather in Urbana for HeartStrong's Thanksgiving Drive

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — For the 18th consecutive year, vehicles filled the parking lot of Quest United Methodist Church in Urbana on Saturday, all in anticipation of the season dedicated to giving thanks.

The HeartStrong Food Pantry organized its Thanksgiving Big Give Drive, a special event where families could receive a complimentary traditional holiday feast.

“Although it appears we’re simply handing out a turkey and a bag of food for a family’s Thanksgiving, what we’re truly providing is hope,” expressed Angela Bradley, the director of the food pantry.

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This same spirit of hope was instrumental in bringing the event to life, as financial constraints nearly halted the turkey drive this year.

HeartStrong’s goal was to feed at 1,500 households. Bradley said that many of the people getting the holiday meal were impacted by the delay of SNAP benefits.

“For every family that I have talked to, they’re in tears because they don’t know how they are going to make it. They’re so grateful that somebody remembered and thought to give them a meal for Thanksgiving,” Bradley said.

Volunteer Evelyn Gibson shared how donating her time made her feel.

“I know a lot of people don’t have the privilege to be able to have a big feast with all their family, and not have everybody able to eat,” Gibson said. “I never really thought that was fair. So, it feels really good to help people who don’t have that chance.”

HeartStrong Food Pantry is still accepting donations to help pay for the food that they were handing out. For more information, visit their Facebook page.