Hazleton Integration Project Hosts 15th Annual Thanksmas Giveaway

The Hazleton Integration Project (HIP) is set to conduct its 15th annual Thanksmas food giveaway on Saturday, December 9, 2023. This initiative, originally envisioned by former MLB manager and HIP co-founder Joe Maddon, aims to merge the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas for underprivileged families in the Hazleton community.

According to Bob Curry, the president of HIP, the concept of Thanksmas emerged when Maddon was working in Los Angeles and observed the significant homeless population there. He envisioned bringing a similar initiative to Hazleton, hoping to provide meaningful support to those in need.

Initially, Thanksmas operated as a large food kitchen, offering hot meals prepared on-site for attendees. This format continued for 11 years until the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change. Curry noted, “We didn’t want to give up on Thanksmas, though, so we changed it a bit. Instead of cooking the meals ourselves, we gave families the ingredients to take home.” This adaptation proved successful, allowing HIP to distribute more food to families.

The event typically serves around 550 families, and this year is no exception, as it has completely sold out. Each family will receive a meal kit that includes a chicken, ground turkey, rice, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, GIANT gift cards, and stuffed animals. Pickup will take place in the parking lot of the Most Precious Blood Church, where volunteers will assist in delivering the kits directly to recipients’ vehicles.

HIP sources the majority of its food for Thanksmas from partnerships with the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank and Weis Markets. Curry emphasizes the growing importance of events like Thanksmas in light of rising food prices. “There’s no question that, as we see prices going up, there are more and more people who need support,” he remarked. “All the organizations we’re in touch with, that work with food insecurity, say the same thing: more people come for help, more regularly.”

The dedication of the Hazleton Integration Project to addressing food insecurity reflects the increasing demand for assistance within the community. As the holiday season approaches, Thanksmas not only provides essential resources but also fosters a sense of unity and support among those participating.