Thanksgiving meal sign-up opens for Iowa Giving Crew’s ‘Operation Give Bird’

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) -With Thanksgiving just weeks away, a local nonprofit is preparing to help hundreds of Quad Cities-area families enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

Iowa Giving Crew’s annual “Operation Give Bird” program provides free Thanksgiving meal kits to families facing food insecurity or financial challenges. This year, the organization expects to distribute 450 to 500 meals in the Quad Cities as part of a statewide effort that will provide approximately 2,750 meals across six Iowa.

Each Thanksgiving meal kit includes a turkey, a 5-pound bag of potatoes, rolls, gravy, cream of mushroom soup, green beans and corn, providing many of the traditional items families need to prepare a holiday dinner.

There are no income requirements or eligibility restrictions to request a meal through the public sign-up process.

Public registration information

Public registration opens at 9 a.m. Nov. 12 through Iowa Giving Crew’s website and social media channels. Some families may already be enrolled through partner organizations participating in the program.

Meal pickup is scheduled for Nov. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 5775 Tremont Ave. in Davenport.

The sign-up page for Operation Give Bird is here.

Always accepting donations and volunteers

In addition to holiday meal distribution, Iowa Giving Crew accepts donations and volunteers throughout the year. The nonprofit partners with food banks and community organizations to maximize the impact of donations and support families facing food insecurity.

About Iowa Giving Crew

Founded in 2017, Iowa Giving Crew began as a grassroots effort to help families in need during the holiday season. The volunteer-led nonprofit has since expanded its reach through partnerships with community organizations and food assistance programs.

Organizers work closely with local partners, including family-support and veteran-serving agencies, to identify households that could benefit from extra assistance during the holidays. In addition to those referrals, community members can sign up directly to receive a meal.

Visit the group online here.