'Thanksgiving for Refugees' drive welcomes new Afghan neighbors

The Alliance hosted a “Thanksgiving for Refugees” food distribution at its headquarters in Gulfton to provide meal kits for 300 Afghan and recently arrived refugee families to prepare their first Thanksgiving meal in the U.S.

Each family in attendance received a box of fresh produce, dry goods, frozen chicken, and other essentials. Families also received special hygiene care packages prepared by community volunteers.

While picking up their Thanksgiving kits, the families enjoyed meeting their new neighbors, playing holiday games with community volunteers, taking family photos at the photo booth, and onsite entertainment by DJ Julius the PRofit.

Ibn Sina Foundation provided free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations. Sponsors for the event included Triton Claims Management, Brighter Bites, Amegy Bank, Amazon, Molina Healthcare, Houston Health Department, and Ibn Sina Foundation.

“The Thanksgiving for Refugees event provided healthy food and critical health services for our newly-arrived refugee families,” said Daniel Stoecker, President and CEO of The Alliance. “Not only were we able to meet the needs of our new families, but we were also able to provide a safe and welcoming space for refugees to meet their new neighbors and gather with their new community. We want all of our newcomers to know that they belong here, and that we are ready to support them in their journey to make a new start in the United States.”