As Thanksgiving approaches, Catholic Social Services (CSS) is once again uniting with local parishes, schools and community partners to ensure families in need can gather around a full holiday table. The first Everything But the Turkey Food Collection Drive provides all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal — except the turkey — helping 2,000 people celebrate with dignity and joy.
Volunteers and donors contribute staple items such as stuffing mix, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy and dessert mixes. These items are then assembled into food boxes and distributed to families across central Ohio. Each box pairs with a donated gift card to purchase a turkey, ensuring that every family receives a complete Thanksgiving meal.
“This effort is about more than food — it’s about giving families a sense of tradition and hope during the holiday season,” said Julie Naporano, vice president of development for CSS. “When our community comes together in generosity, we can make sure no one is left out.”
The drive engages parishioners, students, businesses and individuals who collect food and volunteer their time to sort, pack and deliver the boxes. The partners include Elford Construction, Columbus St. Andrew Parish, Kimball Midwest, Diocese of Columbus, Bank of America, Mount Carmel East Hospital, Sunbury St. John Neumann Parish, Columbus St. Patrick Parish, Columbus St. Charles Preparatory School’s football team, Mercer Company, Granville St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Shoenfelt family, and Worthington St. Michael School’s eighth-grade class.
With food insecurity continuing to impact families in the community, the need is greater than ever. There has been a 15% increase in need over this time last year.
If you are interested in joining the community-wide effort, donations can be dropped off at one of three locations:
o Our Lady of Guadalupe Center, 3631 Soldano Blvd., Columbus
o Catholic Social Services, 1031 Brice St., Newark
o Catholic Social Services, 197 E. Gay St., Columbus
As one volunteer shared, “It’s incredible to see how just a few cans of food from each household add up to make such a big impact. Together, we’re giving families more than the gift of Thanksgiving – it’s the gift of faith in action.”
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This article appears in October 19 2025.