by Detroit, MI – Hundreds of cars lined up outside the Sound Mind Sound Body Academy on Sunday as the community came together to support local families through the Semaj J. Morgan Foundation’s Big Turkey Giveaway.
For many Detroit residents facing hardship, the annual event offered not only a Thanksgiving meal but also a renewed sense of hope heading into the holiday season. This year, the foundation set a major milestone by providing 2,000 full Thanksgiving meals, doubling last year’s total.
Community Lines Up for a Holiday Meal
The parking lot quickly filled with families seeking holiday assistance as volunteers handed out Walmart bags filled with stuffing, vegetables, dessert items, and side dishes—everything needed to prepare a warm Thanksgiving dinner at home. The long lines showed the growing need across the city and the impact a single event can have on thousands of people.
One of the recipients, Lovey Thomas, said the giveaway allowed her to do something meaningful that she had not been able to do in years.
“The motivation to come here was so that I could prepare a Thanksgiving meal and share it with someone that’s deserving,” Thomas said.
She explained that hardships in recent years had prevented her from cooking for family and neighbors, but the giveaway changed that.
“It’s been a long time. I’ve been doing other things and fell on some hardships, and this makes it better.”
Foundation Doubles Its Efforts in 2024
The Semaj J. Morgan Foundation, named after and run by local athlete and community advocate Semaj J. Morgan, has been expanding its outreach each year. In 2024, the foundation distributed 1,000 turkeys. This year, they doubled the effort, reaching 2,000 families across Detroit.
Morgan, who spent the day personally greeting families and loading holiday bags into vehicles, said the goal is to ensure everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity.
“Some of these people might not know where their next meal is coming from, and to be able to have a whole meal for the holiday coming up, I feel like it’ll just make a world’s difference,” Morgan said. “We just want to be able to be that to people.”
The foundation’s approach is rooted in community-first values, emphasizing personal connection and long-term support beyond holiday seasons.
A Mother’s Pride and a Community’s Gratitude
For Erika Morgan, Semaj’s mother, the rapid growth of the annual giveaway underscores the importance of local action when many families cannot rely on broader systems for support.
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“We have to give back to our community. We have to be able to let them know that if it doesn’t work with the federal government, then you have your local community working for you,” she said.
The foundation’s volunteers echoed her sentiment as they worked tirelessly to ensure each family received not just a turkey but a full meal complete with holiday trimmings. The event represented more than charity—it was a gathering of shared stories, gratitude, and the belief that neighbors can and should lift one another up.
Residents Appreciate the Compassion Behind the Event
Many families who attended spoke not only about the importance of the food but also about how meaningful it was to see young leaders stepping up. For Thomas, witnessing Semaj’s dedication made the experience even more special.
“It’s very special to see a young man like Semaj be able to do this for a whole community,” she said. “I appreciate being here.”
As Detroit prepares for Thanksgiving, the Big Turkey Giveaway serves as a reminder of the power of local organizations and volunteers who step forward to help families experiencing hardship.
Join the Community Conversation
For more community stories, local conversations, and features that matter to Michigan residents, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com and share your thoughts on this year’s Thanksgiving outreach.
