On Thanksgiving Day, the streets of San Francisco were filled with volunteers from all walks of life as they came together to serve others in need. This year's event was part of a decades-long tradition that started as a way for law enforcement agencies to show their community spirit.
Major Matthew Madsen of the Salvation Army explained that this year alone, over 160 volunteer drivers would be delivering meals to thousands of homebound seniors. The effort not only provided essential food but also a sense of connection and hope during a challenging time.
For many volunteers, including 76-year-old Audrey Moy, who has been participating in the event for almost 37 years, giving back is about more than just serving others – it's about the feeling of fulfillment that comes with doing something selfless. "Whenever you do something like this," said Chief David Murphy, San Francisco Park Ranger, "it's 10-fold back to you. And it's the good feelings you get from doing it."
This year's event was particularly meaningful due to the increase in people in need. According to Naeemah Charles, Sr. Director of GLIDE Center for Social Justice, the past month and a half have seen an alarming rise in families struggling to make ends meet. "We've seen an increase of families, four or five children coming through, and their parents coming through to say, we just don't have the money to feed our children," Mattox said.
While the event was a huge success this year, GLIDE is always looking for volunteers year-round. With 364 days of volunteering already completed, the organization relies on support during the holiday season but also needs help throughout the rest of the year. "We would love to have people come and volunteer with us during the holiday season but continue that throughout January and throughout the year," said Charles.
For some, like Kara, who traveled from Napa specifically to volunteer, giving back is a way to make a difference in their community. "I just love to do it and try to give back a little bit to the community," she said.
As volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare meals for those in need, former San Francisco Mayor London Breed was on hand to lend her support. "GLIDE has been there for my family when people were not in the best situations," she said. "Part of why I'm here is I want to give back to an organization that has done so much to be a blessing to me and to be a blessing to this city."
The Salvation Army's Turkey Carve-Off event was also part of the celebrations, bringing together volunteers from across the community for a fun-filled day. As one volunteer put it, "This is our 39th anniversary...We started this tradition of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day," said Anni Chung, CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly.
As the sun set on San Francisco, thousands of meals were distributed to those in need, and countless volunteers had made a lasting impact on their community. For many, it was a Thanksgiving they would never forget – one filled with hope, gratitude, and the knowledge that they had helped make a difference in someone's life.
Major Matthew Madsen of the Salvation Army explained that this year alone, over 160 volunteer drivers would be delivering meals to thousands of homebound seniors. The effort not only provided essential food but also a sense of connection and hope during a challenging time.
For many volunteers, including 76-year-old Audrey Moy, who has been participating in the event for almost 37 years, giving back is about more than just serving others – it's about the feeling of fulfillment that comes with doing something selfless. "Whenever you do something like this," said Chief David Murphy, San Francisco Park Ranger, "it's 10-fold back to you. And it's the good feelings you get from doing it."
This year's event was particularly meaningful due to the increase in people in need. According to Naeemah Charles, Sr. Director of GLIDE Center for Social Justice, the past month and a half have seen an alarming rise in families struggling to make ends meet. "We've seen an increase of families, four or five children coming through, and their parents coming through to say, we just don't have the money to feed our children," Mattox said.
While the event was a huge success this year, GLIDE is always looking for volunteers year-round. With 364 days of volunteering already completed, the organization relies on support during the holiday season but also needs help throughout the rest of the year. "We would love to have people come and volunteer with us during the holiday season but continue that throughout January and throughout the year," said Charles.
For some, like Kara, who traveled from Napa specifically to volunteer, giving back is a way to make a difference in their community. "I just love to do it and try to give back a little bit to the community," she said.
As volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare meals for those in need, former San Francisco Mayor London Breed was on hand to lend her support. "GLIDE has been there for my family when people were not in the best situations," she said. "Part of why I'm here is I want to give back to an organization that has done so much to be a blessing to me and to be a blessing to this city."
The Salvation Army's Turkey Carve-Off event was also part of the celebrations, bringing together volunteers from across the community for a fun-filled day. As one volunteer put it, "This is our 39th anniversary...We started this tradition of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day," said Anni Chung, CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly.
As the sun set on San Francisco, thousands of meals were distributed to those in need, and countless volunteers had made a lasting impact on their community. For many, it was a Thanksgiving they would never forget – one filled with hope, gratitude, and the knowledge that they had helped make a difference in someone's life.
... it gives me chills! I mean, can you even imagine not having anyone to talk to or share meals with? These people are literally doing the opposite – spreading love and connection wherever they go 
. It's amazing how something as simple as a meal can bring so much joy and hope to someone's life 
... but it also highlights the struggles of many families struggling to make ends meet 
. I think we should all try to be like these volunteers, giving back whenever we can – every day isn't Thanksgiving, you know? 
... i mean, 160 volunteer drivers just showing up to help out thousands of seniors? its not just about the food or the act of giving, its about the ripple effect it has on people's lives... Audrey Moy said it herself, "it's 10-fold back to you" when you do something selfless... and that's real talk 
... its easy to get caught up in our own bubbles but events like this remind us that we're all connected... GLIDE Center is counting on volunteers year-round not just during the holidays, thats a pretty bold ask 
... and for some people like Kara, giving back is a way of life 
37 years of doing this? That's dedication and commitment! Audrey Moy is an icon 
, I wish I could be as selfless and generous as she is. And what's really touching is that the volunteers get so much more out of it than just a sense of fulfillment - they genuinely feel like their actions are making a real difference 
. The community spirit here is amazing, and I love how GLIDE Center for Social Justice is always looking for volunteers year-round 
. The fact that organizations like GLIDE Center are always looking for volunteers year-round is just a testament to the power of community spirit 
. 37 years of volunteering? That's dedication! Audrey Moy, you're a total rockstar! And I love how the event organizers are always looking for volunteers year-round, because let's be real, giving back shouldn't stop at Thanksgiving 
. It's so heartwarming to see everyone from all walks of life coming together to make a difference in their community. The Salvation Army's Turkey Carve-Off event sounds like an absolute blast! Can't wait to hear about more events like this one 
I'm all for people coming together to serve others, but can't we just use online platforms to organize this stuff? Like, have a Facebook event or something instead of taking up space on the streets 
. And what's with the need for volunteers year-round? Can't they just hire some staff to handle it? I get that giving back is fulfilling and all, but sometimes I wish people would just take care of their own stuff before trying to fix everyone else's problems 
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I mean, it's really beautiful to see people from all walks of life coming together to serve others on Thanksgiving Day... 
But at the same time, you can't help but think about how this event is just one example of the bigger issue - a lot of families are struggling to make ends meet. Like, 160 volunteer drivers delivering meals to thousands of homebound seniors is amazing, but what about those who aren't as fortunate? You feel like some people might be taking it for granted that there's always someone else to help them out... 
And I'm all for volunteering and giving back, but we need more systemic change, you know? We can't just rely on events like this to solve everything. 
Still, it's awesome to see people from the community coming together to make a difference, even if it is just for one day. And hey, at least there are organizations out there doing their part... 
I'm so inspired by all these amazing people coming together to serve others. It's heartwarming to see volunteers from different walks of life sharing their time and energy to make a difference in their community 
. Can we make volunteering a year-round thing? Let's keep spreading love and kindness 365 days a year 
, but is this really what's holding our communities together? It feels like everyone's just doing their civic duty instead of actually addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. And have you seen the lines for food banks lately?! That's not something you can just magically solve with a few hours of volunteering every year 
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. With an alarming rise in families struggling to make ends meet, organizations like GLIDE Center for Social Justice require sustained volunteers to ensure that those in need receive the assistance they require 
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And to hear from Audrey Moy, who's been participating for almost 37 years, speaks volumes about the impact this event has on people. It's clear that giving back is not just a feeling but a way of life.
. the fact that there are more families struggling to make ends meet this year makes the whole event even more meaningful 
. and i love how people like Kara and London Breed are out there making a difference in their community - it's a great reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact on those around us 
Not just on Thanksgiving Day like back in the day 
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