12 Dec Thanksgiving for Refugee Families
Thanksgiving is a unique American tradition, one that began as a way to celebrate community among diverse groups of people. In the spirit of that tradition, 2016 marked Alliance for Multicultural Community Services’ first annual Thanksgiving for Refugee Families at Alliance’s building grounds on Hillcroft Avenue.
Despite the event being the first of its kind, Alliance served approximately 300 newly arrived refugee families with the ingredients to make their first Thanksgiving meal. The box of meal items included a halal turkey, rice, cooking oil, canned vegetables and stove-top stuffing. 75 staff and volunteers also coordinated various activities to welcome clients in a festive atmosphere. There were breakfast items to snack on, a DJ spinning multicultural music, a photo booth with props as well as a craft table for kids. Perhaps the highlight of the event was the Wall of Thanks, a place where refugee families were able to write down their words of thanks.
Alliance is dedicated to encouraging the exchange of culture and tradition among clients, staff and stakeholders. For newly arrived families, it is often a struggle to quickly acquire basic day-to-day knowledge that many Americans take for granted. Alliance’s staff strives to include refugee clients in the traditions that are most meaningful to our local community.
Many thanks to our generous donors and volunteers who helped pass out food, take pictures, and assist with the children’s activities. This act of welcoming was symbolic of the greater strength of community that Houstonians are fortunate to have.
