Last Thanksgiving, hundreds of families in Appalachia were able to enjoy a festive holiday meal complete with a turkey and all the trimmings, thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans®.
In McDowell County, West Virginia, Dyanne Spriggs, executive director of our grassroots partner there, Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA), told us of the impact it made for low-income residents in their community.
“Several families shared how grateful they were, telling us they didn’t know what they would have done for Thanksgiving dinner without this support,” she reported.
“One woman told us how happy she was to make a turkey for her kids this year, explaining there was no way she could have been able to afford one on her own.
“She thanked us repeatedly, and moments like that reminded us just how meaningful this giveaway truly was.”
In Beattyville, Kentucky, Americans Helping Americans® provided grant funding to our partner there, Cumberland Mountain Outreach (CMO), to distribute 360 $25 gift certificates to purchase a turkey at a local grocery store.
Among them who received a certificate was Nora, who told us the certificate helped her feed her family Thanksgiving dinner.
“Since my husband has passed away and the Social Security was cut, it’s been really difficult to make ends meet, and the certificate is such a blessing,” she told us.
“I so much appreciate all that you do to help feed the people here in Lee County.”
In 2024, CMO president and CEO Cynthia Evanoff shared the story of James and Martha, who received Thanksgiving food vouchers and expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much for these vouchers.”
“They will definitely be an addition to their Thanksgiving table,” commented Cynthia.
For Thanksgiving 2021, Cynthia used a cash grant from Americans Helping Americans® to purchase 360 turkeys to accompany food boxes also provided by the organization. Together, these distributions served 1,440 individuals.
Among them was Diann, who had worked at the local jail for about 10 years, but had to quit due to health issues.
“Now she finds herself homelessly couch surfing, going from friends’ or family’s homes, sleeping on the sofa,” reported Cynthia.
“This program has helped a lot of families,” said Diann, who received a voucher for a turkey to cook a meal with her sister’s family and herself.
Another recipient was Pam, who had cared for her aging mother for years before her mother passed away that winter.
“Pam was able to cook one more Thanksgiving for her and her family,” commented Cynthia.
Pam said, “Thank you for the dinner I got to share with my mom and my kids.”
Another recipient that year was Betty, a recent widow who lost her husband following a 12-year illness. She was searching for work that could provide enough hours to support herself and her 13-year-old daughter, Brooklyn.
“Their Thanksgiving was spent with lots of family surrounding them,” reported Cynthia.
As for Betty herself, “Thank you so much for all the help you have given Brooklyn and I.”
Even during the pandemic in November 2020, Americans Helping Americans® was there in partnership with CMO to help ensure those in need in Beattyville and Lee County could have a Thanksgiving meal.
“Dear Americans Helping Americans®,” wrote Leatha Deaton.
“Thank you so much for the turkey.
“It means a lot to me and my family.
“I thank you for all you do helping us this time of year.
“God bless you all.”
Also in 2020, Dyanne at BCPIA told us that “Thanksgiving is a very special time of the year to spend with your family.
“Many people were able to provide a delicious holiday meal because of the support from Americans Helping Americans®.”
Among those who received assistance that year was Marsha Allen, a low-income working resident of the town of War.
“I appreciate this so much,” said Marsha. “I wasn’t expecting it, and thank you for thinking of us.”
Another recipient was Irene Kennedy, who prepares Thanksgiving dinner for her large family, including her children and grandchildren, who told us, “It was nice that I didn’t have to go out and buy the turkey.”
And Crystal Bowman wrote a letter about the turkeys, telling us:
“I was so grateful when I received a turkey from Big Creek People in Action.
“I had just started a new job, and my husband was out of work, so we didn’t have the funds to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
“Because of you all, we were able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving!”
