Baltimore, December 1, 2025
This Thanksgiving season, Baltimore saw numerous community-driven initiatives aimed at providing support and meals to residents in need. Events like the Goodwill Annual Dinner and Bea Gaddy Dinner served thousands, showcasing the city’s commitment to compassion and unity. With support from local organizations and volunteers, these gatherings not only provided food but also resources and a sense of community for many. Participants celebrated together, highlighting Baltimore’s spirit of giving back and fostering connections during the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Giveback Events Energize Baltimore MD Communities
Local initiatives foster unity, compassion, and support for those in need
Baltimore, Maryland – This Thanksgiving season, Baltimore witnessed a series of community-driven events aimed at providing meals, resources, and support to residents in need. These initiatives underscored the city’s commitment to fostering unity and compassion among its diverse communities.
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake’s 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair
On November 26, 2025, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake hosted its 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event served over 2,000 residents facing employment barriers or other special needs. Attendees enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner and had access to a Resource Fair offering resume preparation services, job training opportunities, and consultations with community service organizations. The event was supported by more than 300 volunteers and featured entertainment, including a magician and the Orioles Bird mascot.
44th Annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner
Continuing a longstanding tradition, the Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner took place at the American Legion Post 285. This year marked the 44th annual event, serving over 50,000 meals to Baltimore residents. The initiative, founded by the late Bea Gaddy in 1981, has grown significantly, providing a warm meal and a sense of community to thousands each year. Volunteers and attendees highlighted the event’s role in fostering connections and offering support during the holiday season.
Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Community Thanksgiving Drive
On November 25, 2025, the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL), in partnership with Life Church Ministries, 92Q, FutureThink Hub, La Chow, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), organized a community distribution event at Life Church Ministries. Over 700 families received Thanksgiving meals, resources, and support. Giant, the event’s lead sponsor, donated more than 500 turkeys, ensuring families could celebrate the holiday with dignity. Volunteers from various organizations and elected leaders contributed to the event’s success, reflecting the community’s collaborative spirit.
10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration
On November 22, 2025, Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church hosted the 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration. The free event featured a hot Thanksgiving dinner, grocery giveaway, coat giveaway, live entertainment, and community vendors. The celebration aimed to bring together residents for a day of gratitude and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during the holiday season.
Signal 13 Foundation and Atlas Restaurant Group’s “Turkeys for Cops” Campaign
In a unique initiative, the Signal 13 Foundation and Atlas Restaurant Group collaborated to bring Thanksgiving meals to Baltimore City police officers and their families. Through the annual “Turkeys for Cops” fundraiser, more than 900 turkeys were distributed on November 18–19, 2025. This program, now in its fifth year, aims to support the officers who serve the community by providing them with a festive meal during the holiday season.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner by 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army
On November 10, 2025, the 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army hosted a Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event featured a night of gratitude, fellowship, and giving back, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. Attendees enjoyed a meal together, celebrated community, and spread kindness during the Thanksgiving season.
Urban Life Center’s Thanksgiving Baskets Campaign
Leading up to Thanksgiving, the Urban Life Center launched a Thanksgiving Baskets Campaign, aiming to assemble and distribute 80 bags filled with Thanksgiving food items to families in the Highlandtown community. Community members were encouraged to sponsor a family with a $45 donation or drop off non-perishable food items at the Urban Life Center. This initiative sought to ensure that families in the community could enjoy a festive meal during the holiday season.
Orioles’ Holiday Charity Events
The Baltimore Orioles engaged in several holiday charity events, including partnering with the Ed Reed Foundation for its 16th annual Thanksgiving Blessings initiative. Orioles volunteers helped pack and distribute full Thanksgiving meals to more than 5,000 families through Booker T. Washington Middle School and The SEED School of Maryland. The meals featured a 12-pound turkey, a full roasted chicken, and sides to feed up to 15 people.
These events highlight the collective efforts of Baltimore’s organizations, businesses, and residents to support one another during the Thanksgiving season, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake’s 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair?
The Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake’s 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair is an event held on November 26, 2025, at the Baltimore Convention Center. It served over 2,000 residents facing employment barriers or other special needs, providing a traditional turkey dinner and access to a Resource Fair offering resume preparation services, job training opportunities, and consultations with community service organizations. The event was supported by more than 300 volunteers and featured entertainment, including a magician and the Orioles Bird mascot.
What is the Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner?
The Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner is an annual event that took place at the American Legion Post 285 on November 26, 2025. This year marked the 44th annual event, serving over 50,000 meals to Baltimore residents. The initiative, founded by the late Bea Gaddy in 1981, has grown significantly, providing a warm meal and a sense of community to thousands each year. Volunteers and attendees highlighted the event’s role in fostering connections and offering support during the holiday season.
What is the Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Community Thanksgiving Drive?
The Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Community Thanksgiving Drive was held on November 25, 2025, at Life Church Ministries. In partnership with Life Church Ministries, 92Q, FutureThink Hub, La Chow, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the event provided over 700 families with Thanksgiving meals, resources, and support. Giant, the event’s lead sponsor, donated more than 500 turkeys, ensuring families could celebrate the holiday with dignity. Volunteers from various organizations and elected leaders contributed to the event’s success, reflecting the community’s collaborative spirit.
What is the 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration?
The 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration took place on November 22, 2025, at Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church. The free event featured a hot Thanksgiving dinner, grocery giveaway, coat giveaway, live entertainment, and community vendors. The celebration aimed to bring together residents for a day of gratitude and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during the holiday season.
What is the Signal 13 Foundation and Atlas Restaurant Group’s “Turkeys for Cops” Campaign?
The Signal 13 Foundation and Atlas Restaurant Group collaborated to bring Thanksgiving meals to Baltimore City police officers and their families through the annual “Turkeys for Cops” fundraiser. More than 900 turkeys were distributed on November 18–19, 2025. This program, now in its fifth year, aims to support the officers who serve the community by providing them with a festive meal during the holiday season.
What is the Community Thanksgiving Dinner by 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army?
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner was hosted by the 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army on November 10, 2025, at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event featured a night of gratitude, fellowship, and giving back, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. Attendees enjoyed a meal together, celebrated community, and spread kindness during the Thanksgiving season.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Meals Served | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake’s 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair | November 26, 2025 | Baltimore Convention Center | 2,000+ | Resource Fair, Entertainment, Volunteer Support |
| Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner | November 26, 2025 | American Legion Post 285 | 50,000+ | Community Connections |
| Greater Baltimore Urban League Community Thanksgiving Drive | November 25, 2025 | Life Church Ministries | 700+ | Resource Distribution, Volunteer Participation |
| 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration | November 22, 2025 | Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church | Not Specified | Grocery Giveaway, Coat Giveaway, Entertainment |
| Signal 13 Foundation and Atlas Restaurant Group’s “Turkeys for Cops” Campaign | November 18–19, 2025 | Baltimore City | 900+ | Support to Police Officers |
| Community Thanksgiving Dinner by 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army | November 10, 2025 | Baltimore Convention Center | Not Specified | Fellowship and Kindness Celebration |
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