COLUMBIA − Donations are being accepted until Nov. 17 for Powerhouse Community Development’s annual Thanksgiving food drive.
Donations will contribute to a hot Thanksgiving meal for community members, as well as food boxes that will include ingredients for a home-cooked meal. This will be the organization’s third year serving food with the help of the community.
Columbia’s first Black council woman, Amelia Crayton, began the event 26 years ago on her porch to help individuals and families in Columbia.
Erika Buford, executive administrator of Powerhouse, said after Crayton’s death in 2013, she has been honored to help carry on the legacy and work for Powerhouse Community Development.
Powerhouse Community Development’s Thanksgiving events
“I’ve been doing this for many years, and to continue this food drive for the third straight year is something very special to me and to carry on the legacy Almeta built,” Buford said.
Powerhouse CEO and founder Charles Stephenson said there is one mission and goal they want to meet for this Thanksgiving.
“We want to give out 2,000 turkeys and food boxes for those families, and we are shooting for 1,300 individuals coming to eat at our Veterans United Foundations’ Senior Activity Center,” Charles said.
Items that are donated will be distributed during a food box distribution event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at Veterans United Foundations’ Senior Activity Center, located at 1121 Business Loop 70 E.
On Thanksgiving, the meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also at the Senior Activity Center on the Business Loop.
Volunteers delivered food to many places in the past, in shelters, fire departments and police stations.
Buford said there are some concerns about getting enough volunteers for the drive and paying for canned foods.
“Right now it seems to be slow in getting donations, especially paying for canned foods with prices high,” she said.
The organization has struggled in past food drives receiving enough turkeys, corn, peas and icing for cakes.
Those who want to volunteer can do so by using Powerhouse’s SignUp Genius, emailing [email protected], or calling or texting 573-723-6030.