Volunteers from the Arapahoe County department of Human Services, in partnership with Brave Church in Englewood, hosted the annual Thanksgiving food distribution event on Saturday, Nov. 13. to serve hundreds of families in need. These folks set up the event, gathered client referrals, solicited food donations, packed food boxes and hosted the distribution—all on their own time.

“I am overwhelmed with the love and support by our staff and volunteers,” said Kala Slater, volunteer and outreach supervisor. “We have some of the most selfless heroes in our midst who think of others before themselves and I am so proud to be a part of this community.”

The day-long event is a unique approach to getting this critical food to local families. Instead of families having to secure transportation to an event, our staff and church volunteers used their own vehicles, time and gas to make personal deliveries. About 315 families (more than 1500 people total) received Thanksgiving food this year—far surpassing the initial goal of 200 families—so they can preserve their own resources to keep the heat on, pay for childcare and transportation to work, and more.