Thank You for Supporting Neighbors like Joann this Holiday Season

Joann’s was one of 1,000 families served at University of North Texas at Dallas and North Texas Food Bank’s Thanksgiving distribution supported by Tom Thumb/Albertsons.

A turkey, fresh produce and other staples will make all the difference this holiday season for Joann and her family.

While Joann goes through treatments for cancer, she’s continuing to care for her husband, a disabled veteran, and five of their grandchildren.

“We’ve saved up, but we’re going through it,” she says, explaining that they’ve struggled to pay for food, medical bills and other necessities on their fixed income. Her husband served in the Army for 30 years.

Joann heard on TV about the Thanksgiving distribution being hosted by North Texas Food Bank, University of North Texas at Dallas and Tom Thumb/Albertsons and decided to attend for the first time. She arrived at 3 a.m. for the 9 a.m. distribution event and found several cars already in line. Along with a turkey and about 60 pounds of food, she received HEATTECH thermal clothing as part of UNIQLO’s Heart of LifeWear initiative with Feeding America.

“It just means a whole lot—because food’s a necessity and not a want,” Joann says.

Mona, a neighbor in line a few cars ahead of Joann, echoed her gratitude and added that she wasn’t surprised to find cars already in line when she arrived at 1:45 p.m. the night before the distribution.

“It’s different this year because of what’s going on. There’s so much need out there now,” says Mona, who retired because of her health and is now living on fixed income. “I would like to say just a big thank you for the support—this community needs it.”