The School District of Lancaster, in partnership with the Lancaster Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, hosted the fourth annual Thanksgiving meal distribution this week, providing 143 families with everything they need for a festive holiday dinner.
The event, held at The Mix at Arbor Place, was a community-driven effort fueled by donations from SDoL schools, Delta Sigma Theta members, and local organizations like Tyson Foods, which generously contributed whole chickens for the meal bags. Each bag contained essentials for preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including mashed potatoes, brownie mix, three types of vegetables, an oven bag, and the donated chickens.
“This tradition began during COVID as a way to address food insecurity within our district,” said Jassinya Alvarado, SDoL’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion. “It’s a collaboration rooted in service and community support, and it has only grown stronger over the years.”
“Our social workers are the backbone of this initiative,” Jassinya said. “They ensure families can receive these meals without facing additional barriers like transportation, further reinforcing our commitment to equity and care.”
SDoL social workers played a pivotal role in the initiative, reaching out to families in need, securing their consent to receive meal donations, and ensuring that transportation or mobility challenges did not prevent anyone from benefitting. Some social workers even volunteered to deliver meal bags directly to families’ homes. The centralized location at The Mix allowed for a welcoming distribution point, emphasizing accessibility for all.
“This is about more than just food—it’s about community and ensuring that every family in our district feels seen, valued, and supported,” Alvarado explained. “We’ve worked hard to grow this opportunity, and seeing the impact it has on families every year is truly rewarding.”
The event exemplifies the power of partnerships in creating meaningful change. As families gather around their tables this Thanksgiving, they can do so knowing they are part of a community that cares deeply about their well-being.
The district extends its gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and community partners who made this effort possible.
