As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of generosity and volunteering is in full swing. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington embraced the season early, with Catholic Charities distributing 500 free turkeys on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Lamont Plaza in Mount Pleasant, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Washington, D.C. This initiative aimed to ease the burden on vulnerable households, support family budgets, spread joy, and make a meaningful difference for families in need.
The event attracted residents from Northwest Washington, D.C.
“This turkey is a big help. With food prices so high, it really helps our family budget. It is a great blessing,” said Blanca Sánchez, a 49-year-old Salvadoran immigrant.
Sánchez works weekends at an event agency, while her husband only works two days a week, leaving their income limited. She explained that she spends around $300 every two weeks on groceries and relies on the Catholic Center’s monthly food distributions. “I mainly pick up fruits, vegetables, and chicken,” she said.
Like many service industry workers, Sánchez will be working on Thanksgiving Day. “It’s hard for us to celebrate because we’re almost always working,” she shared.
Having lived in the U.S. for 21 years, Sánchez, whose husband is Mexican, has incorporated Thanksgiving into her family’s traditions, adding a Latin American twist.
“I’ll prepare the turkey at home with sweet mole poblano, a traditional dish from the state of Puebla,” she said.
Sánchez, a Washington, D.C., resident, plans to enjoy a special meal with her husband and their three children, aged 15, 17, and 21.
The turkey giveaway was part of the Hispanic Catholic Center of Washington’s regular food distribution program. Turkeys were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, along with essential food items.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Walmart, Giant, DC Health Link, SNAP, and other partners.
Some attendees began lining up as early as 1 a.m. “What the Catholic Center does to help people is wonderful,” said Sandra González, 34, who arrived at 6 a.m. with her 18-month-old daughter.
González, a Guatemalan immigrant and mother of three, is a regular visitor to the food bank, but this was her first time receiving a turkey. She described Thanksgiving as a meaningful occasion to “spend time with family” and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate.
This event was just one of several turkey distributions organized by Catholic Charities throughout November. Future events are planned at the Montgomery County Family Center in Silver Spring and the Southern Maryland Food Bank in La Plata, Maryland. Distributions will also take place through programs such as Parish Partners, Kennedy School, and the Child Development Center.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is the largest private provider of social services in the local community. In the past year, the organization distributed over 5 million pounds of food through its programs. The food bank at the Hispanic Catholic Center supports 6,763 people annually.
José Orellana, a Salvadoran immigrant, regularly benefits from the monthly assistance program and received a turkey during this event, valued at about $30.
Orellana, who arrived in the U.S. in 1992, has made Thanksgiving a part of his annual traditions. Now living alone, he plans to celebrate with his nieces, as his children live in New York and El Salvador.
An employee of American University, Orellana feels especially grateful this year. “I thank God for my good health, for my family’s health, and for the opportunity to live in this country, where life and the economy are better than in Latin America,” said the parishioner of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart, reflecting on his blessings.
This Thanksgiving, an estimated 55.4 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate with loved ones. Approximately 49.1 million will travel by car, 4.7 million by plane, and 1.55 million by bus, train, or cruise.
Thanksgiving, celebrated this year on Nov. 28, is also a time when many families choose to open their homes to immigrants or individuals in need, inviting them to share in the holiday meal.
