Over 100 volunteers gathered to package hundreds of boxes of non-perishable goods at Strong City NOLA’s fifth annual Thanksgiving Drive on Nov. 12.
“Strong City is focused on getting around the youth of New Orleans … For us it’s really about getting involved in the community, helping out others and showing them [the children] that there’s more to the city,” program coordinator and Tulane University sophomore Charli Lewis said.
Strong City NOLA aims to disrupt cycles of violence and poverty that affect young people in New Orleans. The organization also puts on games, tutoring and other activities at partner sites around the city.
This Thanksgiving season, the organization partnered with four organizations to deliver boxes filled with non-perishable items for families in need. Student volunteers helped unload trucks, assemble boxes and make holiday cards.
Strong City helped fund the drive through virtual fundraising, tabling on McAlister Place and hosting a thrift sale in Pocket Park, which alone generated more than $2,000.
Volunteers found special meaning in this year’s drive because of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in jeopardy due to the recent government shutdown.
“This drive is important specifically right now due to the taking away of SNAP benefits,” Lewis said. “It’s crucial for families to still have access to the food they need, especially around the holiday.”
Despite the shutdown ending, millions could still lose access to SNAP as the U.S. Department of Agriculture pressures states into compliance with Republicans’ signature tax and spending law.
“We’ve had partners and individuals reaching out, talking about how much they need this, this year in particular. Last year we did 340 boxes and this year we are at 518. I think that goes to show we are in touch with our community, we are listening to our community, and we are here for them in ways they need it now,” Strong City NOLA Vice President Ayla Cohen said.
After the Thanksgiving Drive, Strong City NOLA will continue outreach. In the spring, their partner organizations will visit Tulane’s campus to participate in a field day.
“Strong City is important for our volunteers, executive board and community because we’re able to bridge that gap between Tulane and the greater New Orleans community, especially with the youth as they are growing up and going through high school, they might not even consider Tulane as a college they would want to apply to,” Lewis said.