Fort Osage holiday assistance drive kicks off with Thanksgiving events

Fort Osage Caring Communities, churches, and other groups partnered to hold Thanksgiving events for Independence and Fort Osage families on Nov. 18-19.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Independence hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 120 community families on Saturday, Nov. 18. Food was provided by the church, Community of Christ Church, and teachers and families of Elm Grove Elementary School and Fort Osage Early Childhood Center. Dinner and food to take home were provided.

On Sunday, Nov. 19, the Church of the Nazarene in Fort Osage hosted an event for 95 families to pick up turkeys and other food donated by the congregation and by United Auto Workers members. New Salem Baptist Church also provided turkeys and other food at another event on Sunday.

Fort Osage Caring Communities referred families to the three events.

As part of the Fort Osage holiday assistance initiative, each Fort Osage School District school will have a Giving Tree. Individuals can “adopt” a child by claiming a gift tag from the Giving Tree in order to provide a child with a pair of shoes, outfit, and a gift wish.