KATY, Texas — With just days away from Thanksgiving, volunteers with Operation Homefront helped spread joy to hundreds of military families across Texas, including the Houston area.
On Saturday, the nonprofit gave away 150 meal kits as well as frozen turkeys during the event in Katy. Army veterans like John Radder and his family of five shared their gratitude for the assistance.
"Really helpful and thankful to the community for providing us with meals for Thanksgiving, definitely appreciate the support,” said Radder.
It's help that also came just in time for a single mom of four, Rukiya Morrison, whose been enlisted in the Army for the last 17 years.
She shared that, like so many families, they have also been feeling the financial strains of a tough economy, so the free meal kits provided much-needed relief.
"It is definitely a blessing because being a single parent it's a lot of things that's on me and having to take care of them on my own, and having little help like this and not have to worry about Thanksgiving and buying food, I'm really grateful for that and I appreciate what they do,” said Morrison.
Organizers said they knew how important providing support, particularly this year to those who have served and continue to serve would be.
"1 in 4 military families report having food insecurity, particularly in the junior enlisted ranks like the ones that we're out here serving today,” said Sharon Fenton, Senior Program Coordinator with Operation Homefront Houston. "We're here to let them know that we appreciate them.”
The love and kindness are lifting spirits and spreading hope.
"It makes me feel special and seen,” said Morrison. "It will be an awesome Thanksgiving; we will definitely enjoy it."
Operation Homefront said they'll also be distributing Christmas holiday meals to military families next month.