North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative announces third annual Thanksgiving outreach event
Columbia, S.C. – (Nov. 11, 2024) The North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI) is proud to announce its third annual “Serving Up Thanks” Thanksgiving event, which will take place Nov. 13, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at the Katheryn M Bellfield BWH Cultural Arts Center at 2611 Grant St. This community-led and volunteer-powered initiative provides essential resources to local community members in need.
This year’s event will include packing and handing out Thanksgiving-themed boxes of Greg’s Groceries, 100 of which will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Packing will begin at 1 p.m., and distribution will start at 2 p.m. along with access to local resource providers and a Community Closet hosted by members of NCYEI's North Columbia Peace Teams, an action-oriented arm of the Initiative that meets monthly to discuss and address community needs.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in this rewarding experience. The NCYEI feels that residents and partners can significantly impact the community by working together and ensuring everyone has a warm and fulfilling Thanksgiving.
“This event brings us together,” said Erica Staley, the Columbia Compass Program Manager and Serve & Connect team member. “It isn’t just about the support that is provided. It is about acts of care and camaraderie in the community, and we all need that this time of year.”
In addition to the packing and distribution of Thanksgiving meals, a Prisma Health mobile unit will also be onsite during the event to provide flu shots.
Since 2022, “Serving Up Thanks” has evolved into a community action initiative focused on Thanksgiving outreach. These efforts would not be possible without the help of the Columbia Police Department and the City of Columbia. Through this partnership, neighbors in need have the chance to serve and show compassion. The event has included insightful conversations, connecting citizens with local resources and services, and the delivery of 500 Thanksgiving meals by Columbia residents, volunteers and law enforcement agencies.
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About NCYEI
North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI) is a movement focused on creating a community where youth can thrive. Founded in 2018, it is driven by diverse community partners working together toward a common goal of infusing resources, building relationships and lifting up local leaders and their vision for positive change. The movement is driven by their love of community, love for the residents, and a commitment to advocate and ignite change for safer outcomes for all.