Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will hold its annual Thankful To Go Drive-Thru Thanksgiving event for Washtenaw County families on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti and is open to all on a first-come, first-served basis, with one meal package available per car while supplies last.

The initiative aims to provide holiday meals to 1,000 cars, including items such as turkeys, hams, pies, dinner rolls, and locally grown produce. Volunteers from EMU’s dance and cheer teams and Swoop the mascot will be present to greet attendees.

"Our entire Eastern community values the connection EMU has to our fellow citizens of Washtenaw County,” said EMU President James Smith. “We are a community-engaged university for that reason. This event is another way for us to show our support for local families during the holiday season. My wife, Connie, and I recognize that food insecurity affects many in the region; thus, we are stepping up to help fill tables and hearts — especially in light of federal cuts to the social safety net. We are exceptionally proud to be co-sponsors of this Drive-Thru Thanksgiving event."

Each recipient at the event will also receive a voucher good for four complimentary tickets to any future EMU men’s or women’s basketball game this season. These vouchers can be redeemed at EMU Athletics ticket sales windows or by phone; additional tickets may be purchased for $5 each.

The “Thankful For You” program is an extension of Chartwells’ national “Thank-Ful” initiative. Chartwells provides food service management through EDining at EMU.

“At Eastern, we’re committed to building a community where gratitude and giving back come first,” said Beth Smith, registered dietitian and director of community wellness & sustainability at Chartwells EMU. “It truly moves me to see how we can come together as a community to care for local families and support our local farmers. Providing 1,000 meals this year is a meaningful reminder of what we can accomplish when we lift each other up.”

Sponsors supporting this year’s effort include the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, James Smith and Connie Ruhl-Smith, DTE Energy, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest Hotel, and Eastern Michigan University Credit Union.

“The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is deeply appreciative of the countless ways Eastern Michigan University supports our community,” says Christopher Lemon, vice president for Community Investment at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. “In these challenging times, partnering with EMU to provide food for families during the holiday season is a meaningful way for our two organizations to come together and deliver immediate impact for those who need it most.”

The event relies entirely on donations from supporters.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second-oldest public university,Eastern Michigan University serves over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs in various fields.The university highlights career readiness through hands-on learning opportunities and partnerships with industry.More information about news and events can be found online.