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2026 Thanksgiving Project

Oct 25 - Nov 19

Does your family have a favorite holiday tradition? One of Heart of Florida United Way’s favorite annual traditions is our Thanksgiving Project, and we are so excited to share it with you! 

During this meaningful event, HFUW team members, board members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors come together to help Central Florida families in need by assembling and distributing Thanksgiving meal kits throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. 

These meal kits help make sure our neighbors — including our ALICE families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal at home with their own traditions. This year we will distribute 6,500 kits, feeding 26,000 people, and we need your help! Are you ready to light the way and feed Central Florida families? 

 

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: 

💙Become a Sponsor  

  • Click here to view available sponsorship levels and associated benefits. 


❤️Roll Up Your Sleeves and Volunteer 

We’re looking for volunteers to help us with this event. Volunteer opportunities include: 

  • Prep Week Volunteer Shifts: Help the Heart of Florida United Way team prepare for the event! Shifts may involve sorting, counting, packing, palletizing, unboxing, organizing, decorating, and more! 
  • Meal Packing Party Volunteer Shifts: Help package 6,500 meal kits for families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. 
  • Distribution Day Volunteer Shifts: Help distribute 6,500 meal kits in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Each meal kit will feed a family of 4 this holiday season. 

 

Register Here

At this time, Thanksgiving Preparation Shifts and LEAD Volunteer Roles are ready for registration. Meal Packing Parties General Volunteer Shifts & Meal Distribution Days General Volunteer Shifts will be available for registration on October 5th 2026. Thank you for your patience.

 


💛Donate to Thanksgiving Project 

Your donation – no matter how big or small – can light the way for our neighbors this holiday season. A donation of just $50 could provide a Thanksgiving meal for one family of four. Click here to donate! 


🧡Participate in our Spice It Up Collection Drive 

We need your help to collect the essential seasonings that turn a basic meal into a 

festive celebration. Once you have collected spices, drop off dates and locations include: 


Sunday, 10/25 from 1:00pm-3:00pm 

Tuesday, 11/17 from 12:00pm-2:00pm 

  • Central Florida Fairgrounds (4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808) 

Tuesday, 11/17 from 2:00pm-4:00pm 

  • Central Florida Fairgrounds (4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808) 

Wednesday, 11/18 from 5:00pm-6:00pm 

  • Central Florida Fairgrounds (4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808) 

Thursday, 11/19 from 5:00pm-6:00pm 

  • Central Florida Fairgrounds (4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808) 

Not able to come in person? Click here to shop online on our Amazon wish list! 

 

Details

  • Start: Oct 25
  • End: Nov 19