Employees donated 20 Thanksgiving dinner bags and $465 in grocery store gift cards for the Give Thanks in November food drive organized by the Health District’s Wellness and Recognition Council. The items were given to Homeward Alliance for individuals and families who were formerly homeless to celebrate Thanksgiving in their new homes.

“I believe it was the most generous response we’ve ever had to a November food drive at the Health District,” says Evaluation Coordinator Sue Hewitt, an organizer of the fall food drive. “It can be overwhelming and expensive to establish a holiday celebration, and we were happy to contribute to this project.”

Homeward Alliance operates a continuum of programs and initiatives for families, adults, and seniors that includes basic needs, housing-focused case management, behavioral health, and employment services. The Health District has partnered with Homeward Alliance and the Murphy Center on projects during COVID-19.

“Thank you to everyone at the Health District who donated a Thanksgiving bag (or two or more!) and/or gift cards to make the holiday brighter for some of our newly housed, formerly homeless clients. The recipients have been very grateful, and many looked forward to being able to cook meals for friends and family in their new homes. We can’t express how much it means to the people we serve, and to us,” says Holly Harrison, supportive housing manager for Homeward Alliance.

Several staff members also donated frozen turkeys to the Food Bank for Larimer County, an annual tradition for many at the Health District.