Giving thanks, giving back: Avoyelles turkey giveaway, holiday meals and donation drives

Local organizations are preparing turkey giveaways, Thanksgiving meals and donation drives to help Avoyelles Parish families this holiday season.

Bunkie turkey giveaway: Nov. 21

Justice Tax LLC and Sago Trucking LLC will host a Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. at Living Hope Outreach Ministry, 305 Walnut St. in Bunkie.

Free turkeys will be distributed first come, first served while supplies last. Organizers hope to help families prepare for Thanksgiving while bringing the community together through generosity and support. Their message is “Giving Thanks, Giving Back, Building Stronger Communities.” For more information, call 337-290-2950.

Seventh annual Shottas Thanksgiving Feeding: Nov. 22

The seventh annual Shottas Thanksgiving Feeding will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Powell's Soulfood, 123 NE Main St. in Bunkie.

Organizers are seeking donations to meet a growing need for meals. The annual effort serves people experiencing homelessness, residents facing financial hardship, people who are sick or homebound and nursing home residents.

The planned menu includes turkey, ham, green beans, rice dressing, baked beans, a dinner roll and water or soda. To donate or obtain additional information, contact Chris Robinson at 318-305-6726.

St. Mary's School food, sock and glove drives

St. Mary's School in Cottonport is collecting Thanksgiving food items through Nov. 13. Requested items include canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, dressing mix, mashed potatoes, jars of gravy, pie filling, macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable milk and canned sweet potatoes. Monetary donations are also being accepted to purchase a chicken or turkey for a family in need.

The school's community sock and glove drive continues through Friday, Nov. 6. Organizers request plain white socks and plain, one-size-fits-all gloves.

Donations may be brought to the school office at 850 Front St. in Cottonport during regular school hours. For information about either drive, call 318-876-3651.

Finding food assistance

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana serves Avoyelles Parish through its partner agencies. For information about food distributions or donations, call 318-445-2773.

Residents may call 211 or 337-232-4357 for help locating food programs and other community resources. Contact organizations directly to confirm distribution dates, eligibility requirements and availability.

From the November 4, 2026, edition of The Avoyelles Journal.