Celebrating Thanksgiving Together: Building Community & Spreading Joy in Tallahassee

Thank you for making #RefugeesWelcome.
Photo: IRC Tallahassee

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the IRC in Tallahassee hosted its inaugural Thanksgiving Feast at theChurch of Latter-day Saints Community Center. This heartwarming gathering brought together IRC staff, clients, volunteers, and community members to share in the spirit of the season. For many of our clients, this was their first experience celebrating an American Thanksgiving, and we were deeply honored to provide a warm welcome into our community. 

The event had over 100+ newly arrived refugee clients and more than 30+ volunteers and community members stepping up to support refugee children and families. We were thrilled to bring the community together for this special event, celebrating unity and gratitude in a meaningful way. We extend our deepest thanks to our incredible partners—Tallahassee Refugee Connections, Church of Latter-day Saints, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Southern Seafood Inc. Tallahassee Fish Company, and Islamic Relief USA—as well as the donors, volunteers, and community members who made this event possible. Your generosity ensured that every family felt supported and welcomed this holiday season. 

Thank you for making #RefugeesWelcome.
Photo: IRC Tallahassee

A Feast of Generosity: Turkey Distribution with Islamic Relief USA 

This Thanksgiving season, the IRC in Tallahassee was honored to partner with Islamic Relief USA to bring the spirit of gratitude and giving to our clients and their families. Through this partnership, we were able to distribute 120 halal turkeys to refugee children, families, and community members, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to prepare and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their own homes.

For many of our clients, this marked their first time celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States. Thanks to the generosity of Islamic Relief USA, families received free 10-14 lb. halal turkeys, a gift that symbolizes the community's warmth and support as they rebuild their lives in a new country. Moments like these remind us of the incredible power of collaboration and compassion. With every turkey distributed, we saw the smiles of children and parents alike, grateful for the chance to create cherished holiday memories. We extend our deepest gratitude to Islamic Relief USAfor helping make this season brighter and for standing alongside the IRC in supporting our clients.  

Thank you for making #RefugeesWelcome.
Photo: IRC Tallahassee

In addition to the turkeys, attendees enjoyed an incredible selection of food and drinks provided by Yasou Cafe Fresh Mediterranean and dishes lovingly prepared by community members. From savory traditional Thanksgiving staples to unique flavors that reflected the diversity of our community, the meal was a celebration of unity and togetherness. The IRC Logistics team worked tirelessly to provide transportation to and from two centralized locations, ensuring every family had the chance to join the festivities without worry. 

Thank you for making #RefugeesWelcome.
Photo: IRC Tallahassee

The day was full of joy and connection. Children played games, created crafts, and enjoyed outdoor activities with local volunteers, while community members embraced the opportunity to sponsor a child’s holiday gift wishlist through our IRC Giving Tree. If you’d like to brighten a child’s holiday season, click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities! 

Photo: Joyce Bun

Photo: Joyce Bun

Photo: Joyce Bun

Photo: Laura Hamilton

Thank You for Making This Possible! 

We are endlessly grateful to all who made this event possible—our partners, volunteers, and the vibrant Tallahassee community. Together, we demonstrated the true spirit of Thanksgiving by coming together to support our new neighbors. From our IRC family to yours, we wish you a joyful and meaningful holiday season. 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Tallahassee  or to get involved as a donor  or  volunteer, please contact us at  [email protected] or 470-376-9988. 

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