Milwaukee unites to feed families in need this Thanksgiving

The “15th Annual Make a Family Smile Turkey Giveaway,” was hosted Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St. Cars were lined up around the block, stretching more than a mile to secure their free bird and more than 1,200 Milwaukee County families drove or walked away with a family meal.

Dee McCullom, director of the King Community Center, organizes the giveaway each year and said the need continues to grow.

“I found out during COVID-19 pandemic how powerful it was, and after COVID-19, how many people still needed that same help,” McCullom said.

This year, McCullom said the turkeys were purchased from Walmart with donations and support from the Milwaukee County Parks Department, Milwaukee County Transit System, DHHS, King Advisory Inc., the We Care Crew, the Northcott Neighborhood House and Chris Abele.

“Across all of our programs, we’ve been seeing a 30 percent increase at our sites compared to the same time last year,” said Hunger Task Force CEO Matt King. He emphasizes that partnerships with local organizations are crucial in meeting the demand. “We’re serving more than 50,000 people, and during the next week alone, there are a lot of holiday meals and services planned. We’ll serve more than 10,000 people in that time.”