The Houston chapter of the City Wide Club of America is hosting its annual “Super Feast,” a Thanksgiving event that provides meals and supplies for those in need, on Thursday at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
An increase in the expected number of attendees has put pressure on the nonprofit organization, which is accepting donations in the days leading up to the event. City Wide Club hopes to provide food and ingredients for meals, along with school and volunteering supplies, for their expected 25,000 to 30,000 Super Feast attendees.
In Houston, the unemployment rate reached 5% in August, the highest it’s been during the last few years, according to the Greater Houston Partnership. That’s higher than the national average. Delayed reinstatements of SNAP benefits, the federal food program for low-income Americans, also have further driven local residents to utilize meal services like Super Feast.
Stephanie Lewis, City Wide Club’s regional director, said “phones are constantly ringing” at City Wide Club offices from families in need.
“Many of the people we’re serving have never been in this condition before or in this predicament,” Lewis said. “So we want to lend a helping hand as much as we can. We certainly don’t want to have to turn anyone away.”
The local City Wide Club is still accepting donations for Thursday’s Super Feast. Of particular need are canned goods, turkeys and gently used clothing. City Wide Club will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center at 9 a.m. Wednesday to collect food and supply donations.
To donate remotely, Houston-area residents can send money to citywideclub.com or call 713-752-CLUB (2582). Volunteer opportunities are also wanted and available through registration on the City Wide Club website.
“We’re relying on the Houston public,” Lewis said. “Houston always comes through when they realize that there is a need.”
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