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With hearts and boxes full, dozens of volunteers celebrate the culmination of the 15th annual Everlasting Changes Thanksgiving giveaway. -
Dozens of volunteers roll up their sleeves to fill 600 Thanksgiving dinner boxes for area recipients on behalf of Everlasting Changes, a Mid-County non-profit organization, now in its 15th season of giving.
On the morning of Nov. 18, the culmination of months of meticulous planning and organization unfolded as dozens of local volunteers gathered to support Everlasting Changes, a non-profit organization based in Mid-County, for its 15th annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
The Bob Bowers Civic Center was a hub of generosity as volunteers warmly welcomed hundreds of local families. During the event, volunteers distributed 600 complete Thanksgiving dinners and the provision of a catered traditional Thanksgiving meal for more than 1,000 guests.
Established in 2008 by Elizabeth Cravens, CEO of Mid America Contractors, Everlasting Change has provided more than 12,000 holiday meals to date. Each year, local school counselors distribute half of the meal vouchers to children from needy families while the other half is allocated through pre-event registration.
“Through our support of Everlasting Changes, we help empower families in need and contribute to their well-being reflecting our values of compassion and social responsibility,” said Cravens.
Taking the reins of leadership a few years ago, Event Coordinator Kristen Arroyos, Craven’s daughter, embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm. No stranger to volunteering, Arroyos’ journey from stuffing boxes and carrying turkeys as a preteen to now orchestrating a community-wide blessing, spans several years. Grateful for the chance to give back, Arroyos collaborates with her brother, Owen Cravens, in leading the effort.
"We backed a trailer up the first year we started and let Owen put the cake and icing in all of the boxes," she recalled, reflecting on the early days of Owen's involvement at three years old.
In an ongoing commitment to emphasize the importance of sharing blessings, Cravens welcomed family members, business partners and others to join in the annual tradition of rolling up their sleeves and serving the community.