Two Local Nonprofits Begin Holiday Donation Collections

As more folks may be getting excited and prepared as they thankfully gather for a holiday season much different from last year's which was marred by the pandemic, many in the community remain in need of company and a good meal to enjoy this Thanksgiving and others could use a hand in making Christmas special for their families.

Two local nonprofits are mobilizing to help

Together We Achieve, who gained positive notoriety for their work connecting Eastern Iowa residents to needed resources following the derecho are gathering volunteers and donations for Thanksgiving this year.

If you can spare $25 they can put together a traditional meal for a family in need. Cash or checks can be dropped off at the resource center at 1150 27th Avenue in Cedar Rapids. Make your donation between now and November 21. Meal prep will get underway that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p,m.

If you're among those who would like to obtain a meal, registration is limited to the first 350, so sign up here.

Volunteers are needed

You can help distribute the meals by stopping the resource center address above on the following dates.

Saturday 11/20. Assist with food box packing for our Holiday Food Box Giveaway. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday 11/21. Assist with Holiday Food Box event. (They seek assistance from with delivery drivers, traffic, or loading the meal boxes into vehicles from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

Learn more from Iowa's News Now.

After Turkey Day, Christmas isn't far behind

Another program, put on by Olivet Neighborhood Mission in Cedar Rapids, is its annual Holiday Adoption Program. You can sponsor a local family with children 15 years and younger in purchasing gifts. Olivet is hosting sign-up for sponsors at their location at 230 10th St. NW on the following dates: