Connecting Hope 17th Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway

November 26, 2025

The Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church hosted the Annual Connecting Hope Food Drive, organized by Reverend Ray Smith, which provided comprehensive holiday meal packages including 800 turkeys and accompanying groceries to families in need. More than 25 volunteers assembled food bags over several days, with additional volunteers managing a drive-through distribution event that served 38 participating local churches. Each church had submitted requests for specific quantities of food baskets and turkeys to distribute among their own congregation members and community recipients.

Who is affected

Families experiencing food insecurity receiving turkey baskets and groceries
38 local churches participating in the food distribution program
Members and recipients of each participating church congregation
Reverend Ray Smith (event organizer)
Reverend Townsend and Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church (host location)
Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church (program origin)
Over 25 volunteers assembling food bags and additional volunteers loading vehicles

What action is being taken

Churches are distributing the received turkeys and food baskets to their respective recipients
Reverend Townsend is sending out for food to provide immediate assistance to families arriving at the church seeking help

Why it matters

This event addresses growing food insecurity in the community, as evidenced by increasing numbers of people seeking food assistance at local churches. The collaborative effort among 38 churches amplifies the reach and impact of the food distribution, ensuring that hundreds of families receive complete holiday meals during a time when many struggle with food access. The need for emergency food provision demonstrates that hunger is an ongoing crisis requiring immediate and sustained community response.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint