The sound of ‘Happy Thanksgiving!’ came from a person inside an inflatable turkey costume made completely out of balloons and laughter drifted across the lawn between the Oak Grove Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Fairview Baptist Church in Tyler as volunteers gave hundreds of smoked turkeys to a long line of vehicles on Friday morning. Volunteers gave out 900 fully cooked Greenberg Smoked Turkey birds to families in need in a drive through from 8: 30 to 10: 30 a. m. at Oak Grove CME Church as part of the fifth annual Christus Health Turkey Giveaway, partnering with local churches to fulfill Thanksgiving needs in the rural areas of Tyler. Christus Health, a Catholic nonprofit health care system, operates hospitals and clinics across the country and hosts community events. Cedric Granberry Sr., former president of the NAACP Tyler chapter and organizer, said the service event aims to connect the healthcare system, the community and the church. “This is what ministry looks like outside the four walls,” Granberry said. “It lets people know that we want to do all that we can to let them know that we care, and that’s essential.” Five years ago, the idea sparked from a trip to Austin taken by Jason Proctor, ministry president of Christus Mother Frances Health System, who had an initiative directed by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, retired American professional basketball player, to do more in the community. Granberry said the idea of partnering with churches and handing out 500 Greenberg Thanksgiving turkeys came to Proctor’s mind, which evolved into 400 more turkeys as the event grew each year. The Oak Grove CME Church is the event’s second location. Organizers changed the event from the first location at the north Tyler and Houston Temple Church of God to accommodate an area of the city that did not have as many Thanksgiving food drives. “The hospital has had an initiative of getting into the rural areas,” Granberry said. “So Oak Grove was basically at the right place at the right time and we are seeing a need and addressing it.” Elizabeth “Liz” Shelton, administrative director of hospital operations at Christus Mother Frances Health System and organizer, said the hospital focuses on locations where food insecurity remains at higher levels. “We target food insecurities,” Shelton said. “We also help with the food bank and food pantries as a part of our other initiatives, but this event really brings people together that usually aren’t together.” The planning for the turkey giveaway started in September to begin collaboration on logistics with the city, county, law enforcement, churches and volunteers, which included months of meetings to put the event together. With the turkeys being large enough to feed around four to six people, some individuals this year got in line as early as 5 p. m. Thursday and slept in their car overnight to be one of the first people to receive a turkey Friday morning. Coleman Swierc, public relations for Christus Health, said he understands why people get in line so early. “I probably would too if that guaranteed you got a turkey, if you’ve got the time and availability and you don’t mind sleeping in your car,” Swierc said. Volunteers were mainly members of the Oak Grove CME Church, Fairview Baptist Church or connected with Christus Health and wore matching bright vests and purple shirts to greet each car with smiles and enthusiasm and hand or place the turkeys in the backseats of vehicles. Christus Health incorporates their statement of dignity and community impact by hosting initiatives and events, like the turkey giveaway, year-round in Tyler. Crissy Chanslor, program manager for community benefits at Christus Health, said the system just wrapped up its food drive, but focuses on providing solutions for problems families face across East Texas. “Sometimes it’s housing, transportation or social issues, but food insecurity is one that just doesn’t go away with everything becoming more expensive,” Chanslor said. “As a whole, we really want to make sure our community needs are met.” Chanslor said the turkey giveaway allows the community to come together and help each other out. “This is one of our favorite events to do because it’s really touching those lives, and it’s not just one person but a whole family,” Chanslor said. “I’m just thankful and blessed getting to walk down the road and talk with them and have those conversations.” Elizabeth Hill, second-year volunteer, said coming back again she felt more prepared for the amount of people the event served and loves getting to greet individuals that come through. “I think it’s a really great thing that we’re doing, passing out food to families that might need it,” Hill said. “I just love getting to see the joy and smiles on people’s faces every year.” The event wrapped up with all 900 turkeys given to families in and around Tyler. “It all works together and heals physically, spiritually and mentally,” Granberry said. “One of the things that we want to make sure is we convey these values and have good energy, positive vibes and give these families a real Thanksgiving season.”.
https://tylerpaper.com/2025/11/22/christus-health-partners-with-local-churches-for-5th-year-to-give-east-texas-families-900-turkeys-for-thanksgiving/
Tag Archives: thanksgiving
Shop local and support local farmers at Holiday Market
Come out and pick up a locally sourced item for your Thanksgiving table . or holiday gift basket. The Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park will host a Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a. m. until 3 p. m. More than 40 vendors will be on hand with plenty of homemade food, crafts, live music and children’s activites. Here is a list of vendors and artisans scheduled to be at the market: Reed Farms winter vegetables and canned goods Bee Boyz Honey raw honey in a variety of sizes Sweetgrass Farm pasture raised pork and beef, farm eggs, and dehydrated chicken treats (for dog treats). Craig Family Farm pickles, jelly, salsa Hanna Holler Farm Jam: Peach Bourbon, Jalapeño Peach Bourbon, Strawberry, Blueberry/Strawberry, Christmas (Cranberry/Strawberry/Orange), Apple Butter. Honey, Garlic, Beef. The Boars Rock Trading Co locally roasted coffee beans Her Floured Apron sourdough bread, scones, simmer pots & starter kits Rocket City Poppers assortment of flavored kettle corn Southern Home Bakery sourdough bread and sweets, pies, crocheted items Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck Carrie’s Kitchen Baklava, Chocolate Walnut Fudge (GF), Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, Cinnamon Candied Pecans (GF), Peppermint Mocha Muffins, Raisin Bread, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Rosemary Garlic Bread, Rye Dark Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Papa’s Peanuts boiled peanuts (regular and spicy) Simply Homemade cakes, cookies, cake pops. Sin-A-Roll Sweet Rolls: Cinnamon, Powdered Sugar, Marzipan, and double chocolate BlueBailes Farm functional mushroom and herbal supplements Lisa’s Baker E cakes and breads. Gluten free options. SWETZ brownies, cake in the jar, flan in the jar, chocolate truffles, honey cakes and more! GK Gourmet Creations LLC Apple Pie Jelly, Candied Garlic, Charcuterie Time Gift Basket, Eggnog Pound Cake w/Nutmeg Drizzle, Fig & Honey Jam, Leftover Helper Basket, Mango Jalapeno Jam, Spiced Christmas Jam, The Great Imposter Rice Blend, White Chocolate & Cranberry Cups Easy Street Candy Co & 3D Prints A wide variety of freeze dried candy and 3D printed toys Samantha’s Kitchen homemade sweets Handcrafted with Grace fall earrings, necklaces, and bracelets Ali K’s Creations LLC Sourdough Dough Bread, Monster Cookies, Tallow Balms, Magnesium Tallow, Tallow deodorant, Sourdough Sweet Molasses Bread, Sourdough Cinnamon Twist Bread, Beeswax Bags and NEW Tallow lip balm! Guaranteed Comfort handmade soaps, salves, and other body care products. Sashy Lady handmade wreaths, hand towels, dog bandanas Carmina’s handmade bows and accessories White Clover Clay handmade clay earrings Just Junk & Jewelry handmade and repurposed jewelry Pan and Clover Fields small batch/hand blended loose leaf teas, goat milk magnesium lotion, goat milk pain/circulation lotion, goat milk ultra moisturizing lotion, bug repellent, goat milk soap, and more! The Maker’s Solutions herbal teas, Christamas tea, herbal solutions, and artwork The Greenehouse Candles hand poured soy candles and melts Beautiful Creations beaded keychains, pens, and badge reels, tumblers/snowglobe tumblers and totes, car diffusers and freshies. Flirty Flame Candle Co. fall candles, wax melts, body oils, air fresheners Connie’s Creations Hand made Christmas ornaments and decor 3rd Dimension Designs all the 3D printed items you have come to love plus all the new Christmas themed prints such as Dinosaurs, Dragons, and lots of Grinch and themed things. Mark VerStraten holiday decor, cutting boards, handmade greeting cards Hollywood Creations LLC Holiday Ornaments, Pocket Prayers and Hugs, reversible Aprons Adult and Child and even Mommy & Me Aprons, Earrings, Bracelets, Fabric Chickens, Bowl Cozi’s, wallets. Cottage House Bakery fresh bread and desserts, hand knitted scarves Ashley Lindsay jewelry and keychains Leches & Loaves Sourdough bread, Mini cakes, cookies, brownies, glass coffee cups, jewelry Angela Benton girl’s hair bows Kozmic Designs jewelry and other items LA Laser Slate Coasters with Christmas Designs, Wood Christmas Ornaments, Wood Cutting Boards, Laser engraved Tumblers and Leather Barretts. Any of the items can become a unique gift by customizing with design and name of your choice. Falcon’s Nest Christmas shelf sitters, beaded garlands, coasters, ribbon-wrapped Christmas trees, jute-wrapped candy canes, fabric-wrapped starlight mints, beaded id lanyards, magnets, Christmas book risers, small wood risers, jewelry pieces-Christmas and everyday wear, and calendars. Lindsay Coffman baked goods By the Rose body care items.
https://enewscourier.com/2025/11/21/shop-local-and-support-local-farmers-at-holiday-market/
Try Thanksgiving without the turkey
Close your eyes and picture Thanksgiving. What do you see? If you’re like most Americans, a particular image probably pops into your head a large turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. It’s the same meal you see in every movie, every sitcom special and every supermarket ad from October onward. Now, take a look at your actual Thanksgiving table. Does it match? For my family, the answer is a resounding no. Our feast is always a delicious chaos that never quite makes it onto a Hallmark card. The gap between the Thanksgiving we’re sold and the Thanksgiving we live creates a quiet rift. The holiday becomes defined by a narrow checklist of specific foods, and if your table doesn’t check those boxes, it’s easy to feel like you’re celebrating on the sidelines. There was always a feeling of exclusion during Thanksgiving conversations among friends or at school because I couldn’t tell you what stuffing or casserole tasted like. And whenever I tried to chime in on my experience or what my table looked like, I was looked at as if I had six heads. In fact, I had never even had turkey on Thanksgiving until two years ago, because for my family, Thanksgiving isn’t about replicating a 17th-century New England meal. Instead, it’s about taking the idea of a harvest feast a day dedicated to gratitude and abundance and crafting it onto our own rich cultural roots. And we are far from alone. Across the country, tables groan with the weight of dishes that tell a different story of America. In countless households, the centerpiece is a pot of biriyani and jerk chicken, celebrating Caribbean traditions. In others, it’s a platter of tamales, a labor of love that brings the family together for days of preparation. For many Italian American families, lasagna or baked ziti often shares the stage with, or even replaces, the traditional turkey. The scent of a whole steamed fish, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, fills the kitchens of Chinese and Taiwanese homes. This incredible diversity reveals a core problem. The mainstream narrative of Thanksgiving is too narrow to hold our vast and unique realities, so its focus should move away from the food. The holiday’s “branding” is weak, not because gratitude is a flimsy idea, but because its commercial packaging is monotonous. When the symbol of the holiday fails to reflect the people who celebrate it, it’s no wonder the connection feels fragile. The holiday seems easier to brush aside in favor of the more universally marketed Christmas. So, what is the solution? It’s definitely not to force a turkey onto every table. To connect, to be seen by our loved ones and to give thanks for the bounty in our lives is the holiday’s true, beating heart. This need is a profound and universal human constant. This is what we are truly hungry for, far more than any specific pie or sauce. By shifting our focus from the menu to the meaning, we can reclaim Thanksgiving from the brink of irrelevance and restore its power. The solution is to perform a simple but radical act of reclamation to remember that the power of Thanksgiving was never in the turkey, but in the “thanks.” It was always in the intentional, sacred act of pressing pause on our hectic lives to gather together and openly express our gratitude by collectively building a meal with our loved ones. It’s time to consciously shed the pressure of the “traditional” checklist and pour our energy into what truly matters to us. Let’s build our own traditions, ones that resonate with the specific, wonderful people at our table. What might this look like in practice? The ritual of gratitude: Make going around the table to share what you’re thankful for the nonnegotiable centerpiece of the meal. No one-word answers. Let it be messy, emotional and real. This single act is more central to the holiday’s purpose than any poultry. The joy of connection: After the meal, don’t just scatter to different screens. Dig out a board game, start a puzzle, put on music and dance, take a walk through the autumn leaves together. Prioritize activities that foster laughter and conversation. The freedom of the feast: And yes, this includes the food. Give yourself and your family unconditional permission to cook the food that you actually love and are thankful for. Is your family’s idea of a celebratory feast a massive pot of gumbo? Then make that. Do your children dream of your homemade lasagna all year? Let that be the star. And if it’s about the cranberry sauce, stick to what you know. The most “traditional” thing you can cook is the dish that holds the story of your family. By embracing this mindset, we stop celebrating a historical reenactment and start celebrating our own lives. A holiday that celebrates us in all our diverse, flavorful and grateful glory is a holiday worth making room for, long before the first Christmas carol begins to play. Suhiliah Lall is a junior majoring in cinema. [ITALICIZE] Views expressed in the opinions pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece that represents the view of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the staff editorial. [ITALICIZE].
https://www.bupipedream.com/opinions/try-thanksgiving-without-the-turkey/173142/
Emirates Opens Dubai Airshow With Giant Boeing Order and Starlink Deal
Industry Insights: 4 Questions With Wunderkind With digital privacy tightening, identity resolution is becoming essential for travel marketers. Wunderkind’s Ronen Kadosh explains how smarter data strategies can help brands drive direct bookings and build lasting loyalty. Sponsored Indian Hotels Acquires Atmantan Retreat in Big Push Into Wellness First Oberoi’s Asmi, now Indian Hotels’ Atmantan. India’s hotel brands clearly want a (large) slice of the wellness pie. The question is: how many travelers want a retreat, and how many just want a clean room? Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Hit Record Despite Shutdown The government shutdown was a big risk, but air travel is slowly getting back to normal in time for the holidays. Amtrak is getting a bump too. Pullman’s Bold New Era: Redefining Premium Hospitality Through Cultural Exchange Since 1859, the Pullman name has been synonymous with a pioneering spirit. This month, Accor is officially relaunching the Pullman brand, rejuvenating that historic legacy to serve the modern blended traveler and redefine the possibilities of premium hospitality. Sponsored.
https://skift.com/2025/11/17/emirates-opens-dubai-airshow-with-giant-boeing-order-and-starlink-deal/
Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, report
Here’s the stories you’ll be talking about on the New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show on Monday: The winds were whipping this weekend and much of that wind will stay with us as we start the new week. I did my best to get our Christmas lights up outside, but it seems like as soon as I got one decoration up, the wind tore it down. When do you put up your holiday lights and decorations? If we get a mild day ahead of Thanksgiving, I prefer to get the lights and other decorations up. Sunday would have been perfect, if not for the wind. There is some good news as we begin the week: Flights should be back to normal at Newark and the rest of the nations airports. The FAA lifted restrictions that had been imposed during the government shutdown because air traffic controllers were not reporting for work. A tragedy in Somerset County: A police officer and his family are safe, but lost all their possessions in a devastating fire. There are ways you can help. And will the House vote to release the Epstein files this week? President Trump now says they should. Even if the house approves the release, there may not be enough votes in the Senate. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know to start a new week in the Great Garden State. ⬛ Reward offered after Newark shooting leaves boy, woman dead 🚨Gunfire on a Newark street leaves a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman dead 🚨Authorities offer a $10,000 reward as investigators search for the shooter 🚨Newark’s mayor calls it a “dark and devastating day” following the double killing NEWARK A $10,000 reward is being offered to find those responsible for firing the shots that left a 10-year-year old boy and 21-year-old woman dead on Saturday. Over a dozen shots were fired around 7 p. m. on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue in Newark’s South Ward, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. The boy and the woman were pronounced dead at University Hospital. An 11-year-old male, a 19-year-old male, and a 60-year-old male were also injured. They were in stable condition as of Saturday night. At least 17 evidence markers were on the street and sidewalk following the shooting, according to a report from ABC 7 Eyewitness News. Stevens did not disclose the circumstances of the shooting or the identities of the victims. A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stopper program for information leading to an arrest in the case. ⬛ New tickborne meat allergy kills NJ man in first confirmed death 🍔 New Jersey pilot becomes first confirmed fatality from alpha-gal syndrome 🍔 The man collapsed and died just hours after eating a hamburger 🍔 Lone star ticks are spreading, with established populations in 12 counties A pilot from New Jersey is the first confirmed death from a disturbing new meat allergy spread by the lone star tick, according to a study. It explains why the 47-year-old man died on his bathroom floor just hours after consuming a hamburger in September 2024, according to University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers. First documented fatality from alpha-gal syndrome in the U. S. The report was published According to the report, the man had no significant past medical history that would explain his death. Several details, including the victim’s name and where he lived in New Jersey, were not released in the study. It’s only been publicly released that his family lived in the suburbs. ⬛ Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, says report 🚨 NY Post reports Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was shot in NYC. 🚨 His injuries are said to be critical. New York Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was involved in a shooting early Sunday morning in New York City, the New York Post is reporting. The Post says the 29-year-old was shot in the abdomen and was “clinging to life” at a city hospital. Police have not confirmed any of the details of their investigation. A representative of the Jets said they were “aware of the situation” but offered no further comment. Boyd is in his first year with the Jets, but has not seen playing time since suffering a shoulder injury during a preseason game. According to the Post, Boyd was with two other Jets players at a trendy restaurant in Manhattan because he “felt the vibe was off.” The shooting took place just moments after the three players left. ⬛ Community rallies around local cop and his family who lost everything in a fire 🔥 Fire totally destroyed the home of a Somerset Count police officer 👮♂️ Officer Vito Spadea and his family are o. k. ♥ Community members rally around the family to offer help A devastating fire destroyed a home in the Martinsville Section of Bridgewater Township this weekend. The fire has left a Somerville Police officer and his family with nothing. The community has rallied around officer Vito Spadea, who lived with his wife and two young daughters in the home. The family is safe, but they lost everything in the fire. An online fundraiser has raised close to $100,000 for the Spadea family. There is no word on a cause of the fire. ⬛ FAA lifts order slashing flights ✈ Flight restrictions had been in place during the government shutdown. ✈ Commercial airlines are allowed to resume their regular schedules. ✈ Airline leaders expressed optimism operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period. Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a. m. EST, the agency said. The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country. ⬛ In reversal, Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files ❎ After fighting it for months, President Trump says Epstein files should be released. ❎ Trump says, ‘We have nothing to hide.’ ❎ The House is expected to approve the release this week. There may not be enough votes in the Senate. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release the files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after previously fighting the proposal as a growing number of those in his own party supported it. “We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media late Sunday after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a weekend in Florida. Trump’s statement followed a fierce fight within the GOP over the files, including an increasingly nasty split with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had long been one of his fiercest supporters. The New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show airs from 6 10 a. m. on New Jersey 101. 5. Join the conversation by calling 1-800-283-1015 or download the NJ101. 5 app. You can reach him at eric. scott@townsquaremedia. com.
https://nj1015.com/jets-chris-boyd-shot/
Travis Kelce shares candid take on NFL scheduling Chiefs vs Cowboys on Thanksgiving
Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs will be among the select NFL teams playing on Thanksgiving this season. The Chiefs are set to face the Dallas Cowboys on the festive occasion, and Kelce expressed his excitement about the matchup.
In an episode of his “New Heights” podcast on Tuesday, Kelce shared his thoughts on the NFL scheduling the Chiefs vs. Cowboys game on Thanksgiving. “This is my first time playing on it, man,” Kelce said (1:01:03). “I’ve always, like, dreamed about playing on it, because, obviously, started out playing in the backyard and just screwing around. Always had the turkey bowl around where we were with friends and families. And I’ve always loved football and Thanksgiving.”
He added, “Like, that’s like, those two go together like f*cking peanut butter and jelly, man. So I’m excited to play. We’re in Dallas, so I’ll hold it down for the birds fans out there and get after the Cowboys, man. But yeah, dude, I’m excited to do it, and hopefully I’m eating turkey on the field afterwards.”
The last time the Chiefs played on Thanksgiving was in 2006. Kelce has been with the Chiefs since they drafted him in the third round in 2013. He is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends the franchise has ever had. Over his career, Kelce has helped the Chiefs reach five Super Bowls, winning three of them.
This Thanksgiving Day game on November 27 will be another historic moment for Kelce, who has the chance to add another feather to his cap against the Cowboys.
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### Upcoming Matchup: Chiefs vs. Broncos in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL Season
Travis Kelce and the Chiefs (5-4) will face off against the Denver Broncos (8-2) in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
The Chiefs are coming off a loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Week 10 game and had a BYE week in Week 11. They will be eager to return to winning ways against the Broncos. However, it won’t be an easy task, as Denver currently holds a seven-game winning streak — tied for the longest streak this season.
Fans can expect an intense and exciting game as the Chiefs aim to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-travis-kelce-shares-candid-take-nfl-scheduling-chiefs-vs-cowboys-thanksgiving
PAC-MAN joins Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Gaming is set to make a big impact this year in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as Bandai Namco has announced that Pac-Man will be featured as a new balloon in the iconic event.
The Pac-Man balloon is making its debut on November 27, the day the parade takes place. Bandai Namco shared the exciting news and details about the balloon in a social media post earlier this week, revealing that the classic video game character will be joining the lineup of parade balloons for the first time.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a history of showcasing beloved video game characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog and Pikachu from Pokémon. However, this year promises to be even more special, with a variety of new balloons inspired by popular video games.
In addition to Pac-Man, it was announced earlier this month that Nintendo will be introducing a Mario balloon to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.
With these additions, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is shaping up to be a must-watch event for gaming fans and parade enthusiasts alike.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146570/macys-thanksgiving-parade-pac-man-2025