Thanksgiving is a time of year when we can come together with friends and family, be thankful for what we have, and hopeful for what the future may bring.

GPUAC recognizes the need of our community to enjoy family hope, and tradition.

What is the Thanksgiving Basket Program?

A network of more than 100 community based organizations in partnership with GPUAC distributes the ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal to more than 800 low income families in the neighborhoods where they are located and provide services. These organizations are located in various neighborhoods across Philadelphia and have an ongoing relationships with the families selected. The baskets are picked up from the designated market and transported by each organization for distribution to the selected families.

24th Annual Thanksgiving Basket Program theme is "Power of Coalition - The Season of Hope and Help Begins".

History of Program

Twenty-four years ago neighborhoods in Philadelphia experienced tension from earlier influx of immigrants and refugees. Many of the immigrants were Vietnamese and Koreans. During the same period a large number of Southeast Asian refugees were resettled in various Philadelphia neighborhoods. A rising trend of violent clashes was highly publicized and there seemed little understanding between these groups of neighbors. The Korean Community Development Services Center, supported by the Korean Business Association, and GPUAC partnered to bring greater understanding between the new neighbors. A jointly sponsored Thanksgiving Basket Program was one of the initiatives. After its 21st annual event The Korean Community Development Services Center ended its co-sponsorship of the program.

GPUAC has continued its committment to provide Thanksgiving Baskets to families in need by raising funds to purchase each turkey. For its third year Brown's Family ShopRite has been the market sponsor of the program and contributes all the meal trimmings. Brown's Family ShopRite is a family owned and operated supermarket chain of 10 stores focused on business growth in Philadelphia, and prides istelf in low prices, wide variety, and friendly customer service.

Saturday Stuffing

Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 9:30 AM

Brown's Family ShopRite at 24th & Oregon Streets

The Saturday Stuffing event to the Thanksgiving Basket Program will be held at Brown's Family ShopRite located at 24th & Oregon Streets. All volunteers of the program and ShopRite personnel will convene to assemble Thanksgiving baskets by putting ingrediants into individual boxes and moving them into refrigerated storage.

Kickoff Event

Monday, November 19, 2007 - 9:30 AM

Brown's Family ShopRite at 24th & Oregon Streets

The Kickoff event to the Thanksgiving Basket Program will be held at Brown's Family ShopRite located at 24th & Oregon Streets. Accompanying will be a short program featuring sponsored speakers and volunteer recognition prior to distribution of the Thanksgiving baskets to community organizations who will then deliver to families.

Corporate & Community Co-Sponsors

                    Brown's Family ShopRites                                   

Pennsylvania State Representatives

Honorable Harold James

Honorable W. Curtis Thomas

Honorable Ronald Waters

Honorable Jewell Williams

Volunteers

Deloitte Services LP

National Comprehensive Center for Fathers

Family House N.O.W.

Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition

A Season of Hope and Help Begins