San Antonio, TX, November 22, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, various organizations in San Antonio are uniting to provide meals and support for residents in need. Efforts include the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner set to serve 29,000 meals, the distribution of over 300 turkeys by District 6, and the San Antonio Food Bank’s appeal for turkey donations. Volunteers are sought for initiatives like Operation Turkey, showcasing the community’s commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry during the holiday season.
San Antonio’s Thanksgiving Initiatives Ensure Community Has Meals
San Antonio, TX – As Thanksgiving approaches, numerous local organizations in San Antonio are coming together to ensure that residents in need receive both meals and support during this holiday season. The entrepreneurial spirit and community resilience are shining brightly as businesses and nonprofits collaborate to provide essential services, proving that in times of need, San Antonio stands united.
Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Expands to Serve 29,000 Meals
The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, a cherished San Antonio tradition for 46 years, is on track to serve a remarkable 29,000 meals this Thanksgiving. Scheduled for November 27 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, this event is committed to providing hot, nutritious meals to seniors and individuals who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. Organizers are actively seeking volunteers to assist with meal preparation, serving, and delivery. For those unable to attend in person, homebound meal delivery registration can be completed by calling 2-1-1.
District 6 Distributes Over 300 Turkeys to Families and Seniors
In District 6, Councilmember Ric Galvan has announced the successful distribution of 336 turkeys to local families and seniors. This initiative, achieved in collaboration with Title I public schools, benefited 150 students and their families. Furthermore, partnerships with the Gonzaba Foundation and Methodist Healthcare System provided additional turkeys to older adults at three senior centers: Alicia Treviño, Bethel, and Darner.
San Antonio Food Bank Seeks Turkey Donations
The San Antonio Food Bank is urging residents to consider donating turkeys to support families in need this holiday season. Community members can purchase a turkey at any HEB Plus store and drop it off at a refrigerated trailer staffed by volunteers. Online monetary donations are also welcomed. Every year, the food bank distributes over 15,000 turkeys, and this year the need is particularly pressing due to increased food costs and a shortage caused by bird flu.
Operation Turkey Prepares for Annual Meal Distribution
Operation Turkey is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution with plans to serve thousands of hot meals throughout the city. Volunteers are needed for various tasks, including cooking, packaging, and delivering meals. The event will take place on November 27, with a preparation day scheduled for November 26. Individuals interested in volunteering can register on the organization’s website.
Wheatley Heights Hosts Turkey Bingo for Seniors
The City of San Antonio is organizing a free Turkey Bingo event for seniors aged 55 and older on November 13 at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex. This fun event offers a festive atmosphere where lucky winners will receive a free turkey. Early registration is recommended, with sign-ups beginning on November 5.
Meals on Wheels Faces Funding Shortfalls
Meals on Wheels San Antonio is grappling with serious funding shortfalls, potentially jeopardizing meal delivery services to 350 senior clients starting in early 2026. In response, an emergency phone bank was launched by KSAT Community and Meals on Wheels on October 23 to gather critical funds. The organization also offers a Client Support Meals program for those able to pay a subsidized rate of $100 per month.
Community Support for Thanksgiving Meals
San Antonio’s residents and local businesses are demonstrating incredible solidarity during Thanksgiving through various initiatives aimed at ensuring no one goes hungry. From large-scale meal distributions to localized events and donation drives, the commitment to supporting one another is a testament to the community’s strength during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner?
The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is an annual event in San Antonio that provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors and individuals who might otherwise be alone during the holidays. This year, the event aims to serve a record 29,000 meals on November 27 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Volunteers are needed for meal preparation, serving, and delivery. Those unable to attend in person can register for homebound meal delivery by calling 2-1-1.
How can I donate a turkey to the San Antonio Food Bank?
Residents can donate turkeys to the San Antonio Food Bank by purchasing one at any HEB Plus store and dropping it off at a refrigerated trailer staffed by volunteers. Monetary donations are also accepted online. The food bank distributes over 15,000 turkeys each holiday season, and this year, the need is particularly urgent due to increased food costs and a shortage caused by bird flu.
How can I volunteer for Operation Turkey in San Antonio?
Operation Turkey is seeking volunteers for its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution, aiming to serve thousands of hot meals across the city. Volunteers are needed for various roles, including cooking, packaging, and delivering meals. The main event is scheduled for November 27, with a preparation day on November 26. Those interested in volunteering can register on the organization’s website.
What is the Wheatley Heights Turkey Bingo event?
The City of San Antonio is hosting a free Turkey Bingo event for seniors aged 55 and older on November 13 at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex. The event offers a lighthearted way to celebrate the season, with lucky winners receiving a free turkey. Early registration is encouraged, with sign-ups beginning November 5.
How can I support Meals on Wheels San Antonio?
Meals on Wheels San Antonio is facing severe funding shortfalls that threaten meal delivery services to 350 senior clients starting in early 2026. To address this, KSAT Community and Meals on Wheels launched an emergency phone bank on October 23 to raise critical funds. The organization is also offering a Client Support Meals program for those able to pay a subsidized rate of $100 per month.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Thanksgiving Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Date | Location | Volunteer Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner | Annual event providing hot meals to seniors and individuals in need | November 27, 2025 | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | Volunteers needed for meal preparation, serving, and delivery; homebound meal delivery registration by calling 2-1-1 |
| District 6 Turkey Distribution | Distribution of 336 turkeys to local families and seniors | November 20, 2025 | Various locations in District 6 | Not specified |
| San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Donation | Donation of turkeys to support families in need | Ongoing | HEB Plus stores and online | Monetary donations accepted online; turkey drop-off at refrigerated trailers at HEB Plus stores |
| Operation Turkey Meal Distribution | Preparation and delivery of thousands of hot meals across the city | November 26-27, 2025 | Various locations in San Antonio | Volunteers needed for cooking, packaging, and delivering meals; registration on the organization’s website |
| Wheatley Heights Turkey Bingo | Free event for seniors aged 55 and older to win a free turkey | November 13, 2025 | Wheatley Heights Sports Complex | Early registration encouraged; sign-ups begin November 5 |
| Meals on Wheels Funding Support | Emergency phone bank to raise funds for meal delivery services | October 23, 2025 | KSAT Community Phone Bank | Donations accepted online; Client Support Meals program available for a subsidized rate of $100 per month |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Spurs Show Community Spirit this Thanksgiving
Celebrated Chef Dominick Lee: A Culinary Journey Through Hurricane Katrina
South Texas Program Delivers Meals to Seniors
San Antonio Seniors Face Meal Delivery Waitlist
San Antonio’s Turkey Drive Tackles Holiday Hunger
San Antonio’s Quest for Prime Rib: The Best Spots to Satiate Your Hunger
Upcoming Events in San Antonio for 2025
Thanksgiving Day Football: Lions, Giants, and Dolphins Set for Festive Showdowns in Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
