More Than a Meal: YMCA’s Thanksgiving Drive Lifts Spirits and Eases Burdens
Sylvie Belmond 
Image Credit: Southeast Ventura County YMCA
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — For many local households, Thanksgiving dinner can be one more expense they simply can’t afford. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is stepping in to help, inviting the community to come together and make the holiday table a little fuller — and the season a little brighter.
This year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive aims to serve 300 local families including those in the Y’s Find My Genius youth program and families affected by recent wildfires. Each household will receive a box filled with all the fixings for a holiday meal plus a $60 Ralphs gift card to purchase a turkey or ham.
“For families receiving the Thanksgiving food box, a financial burden is lifted, especially since everything costs so much lately,” Dani Hutchison, Chief Development Officer for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, said in a statement. “It allows families to enjoy a warm holiday meal together without worry. This is the third year the YMCA has distributed Thanksgiving dinner boxes. We want everyone in the community who is struggling financially to know that they are not alone and we truly care,” Hutchison added.
The effort helps lift some of the weight from families facing tough choices between food, rent and utilities. “We’re asking donors to collect any of the listed items and drop them off at one of our YMCA branches,” said Brie Severino, the YMCA’s director of development and communications. “You can also make a monetary donation online or in person with our membership teams.”
And for those who give, the reward is just as real. Whether you fill one box or donate a few cans, knowing a family can gather around a table because of your small act of kindness is what Thanksgiving is all about. It’s a reminder that gratitude grows when it’s shared.
What’s Needed
Each box (or bag) should include:
- 1 (14 oz) can of cranberry sauce
- 2 (14–16 oz) cans of green beans
- 1 (12–16 oz) box of stuffing mix
- 1 (32 oz) box of chicken stock
- 3 packets of turkey gravy
- 2 (14–16 oz) cans of corn
- 1 (14 oz) box of instant mashed potatoes
- 1 bag of mini marshmallows
- 1 box of movie-style microwave popcorn (6–12 bags)
- 1 box of brownie mix
- 1 box of hot chocolate packets (6–10 envelopes)
The total cost of one box is about $35 plus the $60 gift card the Y provides for each family’s main dish.
How to Give
Donations will be accepted through November 15 at both YMCA branches:
- Simi Valley Family YMCA, 3200 Cochran St., Simi Valley
- Yarrow Family YMCA, 31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village
You can:
- Donate the entire contents of a box
- Give specific list items
- Provide a Ralphs gift card only
- Contribute monetarily by check or credit card (checks payable to Southeast Ventura County YMCA)
To make a donation or request a Thanksgiving meal box, visit sevymca.org/thanksgiving-food-drive.
Beyond the holidays, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA supports thousands of residents through youth education, family fitness and community wellness programs. From mentoring and after-school learning to health initiatives and financial assistance, the Y’s mission centers on strengthening families and building community — one act of kindness at a time.
