Seasonal Programs

A little girl wearing a white medical mask and a pink coat
Winter Clothes Drive

Supplementing the Clothes Closet, we host a winter clothes drive each year. New or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts are most helpful, as are socks, underwear, and heavy pants. Our goal is to keep people warm in the cold weather and we are grateful for the generosity of the churches and individuals who support us.

Two men holding frozen turkeys behind a table with more frozen turkeys
Thanksgiving

Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we distribute up to 250 full Thanksgiving Day meals, including a turkey. Recipients must be from Chester and the registration period starts in October. Volunteers are needed to help pack bags on the days before and of the distribution.

Two men holding frozen turkeys behind a table with more frozen turkeys
Special Holiday Meals

During the week before Thanksgiving, one of the Open Table meals is turned into a full Thanksgiving Day meal with turkey and all the fixins’. We offer another special holiday meal during the week before Christmas. As with all meals, they are open to anyone and there is no cost.

A Black woman with long braids is wearing a red and white sweater. She is cradling a wrapped present in her right arm and holding a red object in her left hand.
Gift Cards

During December each year we make an appeal for gift cards to large “box” stores and supermarkets. In the week before Christmas we distribute them, with the goal that every individual recieves a $25 gift card. Recipients must be from Chester, and the registration period begins in November.

A Black woman with long braids is wearing a red and white sweater. She is cradling a wrapped present in her right arm and holding a red object in her left hand.
Harvest Festival

Each year in the beginning of October, we host an event where the final harvest from the Community Garden is set out for anyone to take home. We also have food, games, music and dance, community service tables, clothes and household items, a raffle, and a pie-baking contest!