Denver Feed-A-Family Rises in Strength, Rallying Community to Restore a Thanksgiving Tradition

Epworth aims to serve 3,000 Denver families on Nov. 21. Agency registration closes Oct. 23; public nominations open Oct. 26.

DENVER, CO, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — — After a challenging year that forced one of Denver’s longstanding Thanksgiving traditions to reduce its outreach, The Epworth Foundation is moving forward with renewed determination, calling on the community to help bring Thanksgiving meals to 3,000 families across Denver.
The 2026 Denver Feed-A-Family, held in honor of Daddy Bruce Randolph, will take place Saturday, November 21, 2026, under the theme “Rooted in Gratitude, Rising in Strength.”

Last year, funding challenges forced the Foundation to reduce its Thanksgiving distribution from its customary 5,000 baskets to 2,500. This year, the organization is working to serve 3,000 families — an important step toward rebuilding its capacity and eventually restoring its traditional reach.

A Legacy of Giving, a Community Rising Together

The Thanksgiving tradition began in 1963 when Denver humanitarian Daddy Bruce Randolph set out to ensure that his neighbors would not go without a holiday meal. Through decades of generosity, volunteerism and community partnerships, that vision has continued to touch lives across Denver.

The Epworth Foundation has helped carry the legacy forward, serving more than 180,000 families through its community outreach efforts.
“Last year challenged us, but it did not diminish our commitment to the families who count on us,” said Xiomara Yanique, Executive Director of The Epworth Foundation. “We are rooted in gratitude for every person who has carried Daddy Bruce’s legacy forward, and we are rising in strength with a renewed commitment to our community. Every Thanksgiving basket represents more than food. It represents dignity, hope and the opportunity for a family to gather around its own table. We are calling on Denver to help us restore that tradition, one family at a time.”

Behind Every Basket Is a Family and a Story
For families facing unexpected financial hardship, a Thanksgiving basket represents far more than a holiday meal. It provides relief, reassurance and the knowledge that their community cares.

During the 2025 distribution, Denver resident Rose Neblot shared how losing her job left her searching for assistance through food pantries and community agencies. After encountering waiting lists and limited resources, she found help through The Epworth Foundation.

When asked to describe what receiving a Thanksgiving basket meant to her and her son, Neblot answered simply:
“Grateful. Just grateful that somebody cared enough.”

Her words reflect the heart of this year’s theme and serve as a reminder that behind every basket is a family whose Thanksgiving may be made brighter through the compassion of others.

Agency Registration Open; Family Nominations Begin October 26
The Epworth Foundation is inviting community agencies, neighborhood organizations and service providers to participate in connecting eligible families with Thanksgiving assistance.

Important Dates:
• Friday, October 23: Deadline for agency registration
• Monday, October 26: Public family nominations begin
• Saturday, November 21: Denver Feed-A-Family distribution

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the public nomination period, while participating agencies are urged to complete registration before the October 23 deadline.

Community Support Will Make the Difference
Reaching 3,000 families will require the continued generosity of local businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, volunteers and individual supporters.
Corporate and organizational sponsorship opportunities are available at levels ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, providing meaningful opportunities for community investment, employee engagement and recognition.
Every contribution brings the Foundation closer to its goal of providing families with Thanksgiving food baskets they can prepare and enjoy together at home.
The Foundation invites the entire Denver community to become part of this year’s effort — giving thanks for the legacy that began more than six decades ago while building the strength to carry it forward.

To sponsor a family, make a contribution or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit:
https://app.betterunite.com/TheEpworthFoundation/page/theepworthfoundation-2026denverfeedafamilysponsorships

Additional information about agency registration, public nominations and volunteering is available at www.epworthfoundation.org.

About The Epworth Foundation
The Epworth Foundation is a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and communities through food assistance, outreach and supportive programs. Through Denver Feed-A-Family, held in honor of Daddy Bruce Randolph, the Foundation helps preserve a Thanksgiving tradition dating to 1963. With the support of partners, donors and volunteers, Epworth has served more than 180,000 families and continues working to foster dignity, stability and hope throughout the community.

Jacqulyn Perry
The Epworth Foundation
+1 904-866-3828
marketing@epworthfoundation.org
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