Thanksgiving

The SWIRC Program helps make sure those isolated and impoverished residents of reservations in the Southwest share in the bounty of Thanksgiving. On this most American holiday, the Thanksgiving service provides hundreds of nutritious meals for Native Americans who otherwise could not stretch their meager incomes to buy special holiday food.

A Thanksgiving celebration strengthens community ties.

Through the SWIRC Program, our Program Partners secure food for community-wide Thanksgiving dinners that help ensure Elders and children have access to a holiday meal. Program Partners organize volunteers to set up, cook, and clean up meals served in community halls and Elder Nutrition Centers. The fellowship that is created through these events helps build up the sense of community and breaks the feelings of solitude so many residents can suffer from.

Community Health Representatives also deliver Thanksgiving boxes to homebound Elders who do not have transportation to get to the centers or who live in especially remote areas.