CFR seeking donations for 2025 ‘Thanks for Giving’ program

For Dee R., a single mother in Cobb County, this Thanksgiving means more than a meal—it’s a moment of relief, dignity, and hope.

After losing her job, child support, and food assistance all at once, Dee faced a series of hardships that left her struggling to stay afloat. A caring Cobb County School District counselor connected Dee with The Center for Family Resources (CFR), marking a turning point in her story.

Through CFR’s Food Security Program, Dee now shops weekly at the organization’s choice food pantry, selecting groceries her family needs and her child enjoys. “The choice pantry gives families dignity and control,” she says. “When life feels unpredictable, that simple act means everything.”

In July, Dee found new employment and is rebuilding stability for her family. This November, she’ll receive The CFR’s Thanks for Giving food box—complete with everything for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and enough food for the week. Thanks for Giving is a massive, county-wide food drive that helps to feed 1,000 Cobb County families for the entire week of Thanksgiving. Presented by Lockheed Martin, this program relies on monetary and food donations from local businesses, schools, churches, and community groups.

“For families like mine, it’s one less thing to worry about,” Dee says through tears. “We won’t be sad this year.” She says learning to ask for help is a form of strength. “At The Center for Family Resources, it doesn’t feel like charity—it feels like respect, support, and hope.”

The Center for Family Resources has hosted the “Thanks for Giving” food drive for 39 years—helping children and families to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. “When kids are out of school for Thanksgiving break, a lot of families suddenly lose access to the meals they depend on every day,” says Melanie Kagan, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. 

“In addition, with funding for the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program potentially being paused or interrupted, making sure those children are fed isn’t just about providing necessary food— it’s about giving families a little relief, a little dignity, and the chance to truly enjoy the holiday together.”

The organization is grateful to their Presenting Sponsor, Lockheed Martin, as well as the Bountiful Sponsor, Genuine Parts Company; the Gather Sponsors, SouthState Bank and Miller Mechanical Contractors & Engineers; the Cornucopia Sponsors, Renasant Bank, Smith + Howard, and Southwire; and the Friends Sponsors: ASTA America, Chatfield Contracting, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Ed Voyles Automotive, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Henssler Financial, Huff Electric, JWM Contractors, Marietta Power & Water, Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele, Paraklete Financial, Pinnacle Financial, and Tri-State Utility Products, Inc.

To learn more or get involved, visit TheCFR.org/events/#Thanks. To donate, visit bit.ly/477q45A.

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