Thanksgiving Blessings 2026
Fill a table this Thanksgiving.
Pick a family, shop together, and drop off a basket with a full Thanksgiving dinner. It’s an easy tradition to start with your kids, your Life Group, or on your own.
First drop-off Wed, Nov 18
50
baskets served last Thanksgiving to North Coast Families
+500
Thanksgiving meals served to families in North County
50
families served through Boys & Girls Clubs of Vista
Choose a project
Three ways to bless a family
Listed in order of drop-off date. Open a shopping list to see exactly what goes in the basket.
Serving as Anyone Family with kids Life Group Just me
Drop off by Nov 18
A celebration basket for a family of eight
Help a family in our community that’s facing a hard season. You bring the sides and the festive touches. Your gift card covers the main course.
Partner North Coast San Marcos
Serves Family of 8
Groceries Non-perishable, plus table decor
Drop-off San Marcos/Escondido campus, 1451 Montiel Rd
Table and festive
- Disposable cutlery, dishes and festive napkins
- Festive table decor
- Serving trays or dishes
- Candles
- Fall art or craft for kids
- Grocery or meal gift card, $25–50
Food (non-perishable)
- Boxed stuffing
- Gravy, packet or jar
- Canned corn
- Boxed mashed potatoes
- Canned cranberries
- Canned green beans
- Biscuits, rolls or garlic bread
- Boxed cornbread
- Other non-perishable items
Questions? Gina Bolton · [email protected]
Drop off Nov 23–24
A first Thanksgiving on their own
Help a young adult who is leaving foster care. This may be the first holiday meal they host for themselves. Your basket and a note of encouragement show them they aren’t on their own.
Partner Lifeline Community Services
Serves Household of 2–3
Groceries Non-perishable only, plus a turkey gift card
Drop-off Lifeline Drop-in Center, 302 N Indiana Ave, Vista
No refrigerated items, please
- Gift card for a turkey (or more)
- Boxed stuffing
- Gravy, jar or packet
- Canned corn
- Boxed mashed potatoes
- Canned cranberries
- Canned green beans
- Biscuits, rolls or garlic bread
- Cornbread, fresh-baked or boxed
- Pumpkin or apple pie
- Apple cider or sparkling juice
- A handwritten note of encouragement
Questions? Maria Molina · [email protected]
Drop off Nov 24
The whole dinner, turkey and all
Give a Club family everything they need to cook Thanksgiving at home. The Club will match you with a family whose size fits your budget.
Partner Boys & Girls Club of Vista
Serves You choose the family size
Groceries Fresh preferred, including a frozen turkey
Drop-off 410 W California Ave, Vista
Fresh is best
- Frozen turkey, at least 12 lbs
- Bag of potatoes and fixings for mashing
- Fresh green beans
- Corn, fresh or canned
- Cranberries, fresh or canned
- Boxed stuffing
- Gravy, jar or packet
- Biscuits, rolls or garlic bread
- Cornbread, fresh-baked or boxed
- Pumpkin or apple pie
- Whipped cream
- A note with a few encouraging words
- Extra: a grocery gift card, any amount
Questions? Sierra Loredo · [email protected]
How it works
Simple enough to fit into a busy November
Pick and sign up
Choose a project above and reserve a basket. It takes about two minutes. Sign up once per basket.
Shop and pack together
Use the shopping list, pack everything in a box, basket or reusable bag, and add a handwritten note.
Drop it off
Bring it to the drop-off address by the date on your card. Bring the kids to help hand it over.
Make it your tradition
Ideas for whoever you’re serving with
Families with kids
Let kids choose the pie, decorate the box, and write or draw the card. The San Marcos basket includes a fall craft that younger kids can put together.
Life Groups
Split the shopping list so each household brings a few items. Pack the basket at your group night, then pray over it before one person drops it off.
Coworkers, teams and classes
Sponsor several Boys & Girls Club families at once. The Club matches families to your budget, so a group of any size can join in.
Students and young adults
Sponsor a foster youth around your own age. A three-person basket costs less, and a note from someone who’s been there means a lot.
Can’t shop this year?
Give, and we’ll fill a basket
Purchase a grocery gift card to cover the cost of a basket for a family. It’s a good option if you’re traveling, homebound, or short on time. $100 sponsors a full basket, $25 sponsors the cost of a frozen turkey.
How to give a gift card
Drop off a Gift Card at your local North Coast campus, Attn. Mary Bishop, and it will be delivered to those most in need.