HOUSTON – With Thanksgiving around the corner, Independence Heights community leaders are calling on Houston-area residents to help families facing immediate food needs.
On Nov. 20, neighborhood groups and churches will host a community food distribution to provide groceries and holiday meals to families in need. The distribution runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood, in Independence Heights.
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The event is a collaboration of local organizations, including Independence Heights Super Neighborhood #13; Independence Heights Redevelopment Council (IHRC); Independence Heights Ministers Alliance; Masters Market Serving the Community for Christ; the Houston Food Bank; Greater First Baptist Church; BellaVista Missionary Baptist Church; and Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
How to help
Organizers say they urgently need 400 turkeys so that each family receiving assistance can have a complete Thanksgiving meal. Those who can donate turkeys should contact Mardie Paige at cleanologypaige@yahoo.com for donation details. Monetary donations and nonperishable food are also welcome and will be coordinated through the partner organizations.
The distribution is open to anyone who needs assistance; no one will be turned away. Volunteers are needed to help set up, pack boxes and distribute food. Organizers welcome individuals, businesses and congregations that can donate turkeys, food or time.
Event at a glance:
- What: Community food distribution and Thanksgiving turkey drive
- When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Where: Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood, Independence Heights
- Need: 400 turkeys; volunteers; nonperishable food and monetary donations
- Turkey donation contact: Mardie Paige, cleanologypaige@yahoo.com
Organizers say the distribution is intended to provide immediate relief to families affected by the shutdown and to ensure that more households in Independence Heights can share a Thanksgiving meal.