MSF Thanksgiving Program: A Decade of Giving

Growing Hope, One Meal at a Time

Since 2013, the Myles Singleton Foundation (MSF) has been transforming Thanksgiving into a season of healing, hope, and community for domestic violence survivors and their children. What began as a partnership with a single organization has blossomed into a cherished annual tradition serving multiple shelters across the Atlanta area.

Our Journey

When MSF hosted its first Thanksgiving event at Partners Against Domestic Violence (PADV) in 2013, the team couldn't have imagined how this simple act of service would grow. Starting with home-cooked meals and crafts at two PADV locations, the program expanded in 2023 to include Project Renewal, allowing MSF to touch more lives during a season when feeling connected matters most.

Beyond a Meal

The MSF Thanksgiving program isn't just about providing food—it's about creating moments of normalcy, joy, and community for families who have faced extraordinary challenges:

Nourishment for Body and Soul: From jerk chicken to traditional turkey with all the trimmings, MSF volunteers prepare delicious, home-cooked meals that bring comfort and dignity.
Creative Connection: The "What I am Thankful For" turkey craft has become a beloved tradition, giving participants a chance to reflect on gratitude even during difficult times.
Thoughtful Gifts: Through partnerships with organizations like Lantern's Way, MSF provides essential care items, planners, books, and blankets that meet both practical needs and offer encouragement for the future.
Moments of Joy: From gospel performances to puppet shows to storytime sessions with MSF's Executive Director Shannon Singleton, the program creates space for laughter and connection.

Adapting to Challenges

Even during the height of the pandemic in 2020, MSF's commitment never wavered. When in-person gatherings weren't possible, the team pivoted to preparing 120 individually boxed meals and gift bags, ensuring that their tradition of care continued uninterrupted.

The Impact in Their Words

"This was a great event and I'm very happy to have been a part of it. It was inspiring to be among such wonderful women. Although they are going through a difficult period in their lives, they still found within themselves the spirit to make us all feel welcomed and to spend time talking and laughing with us. The kids were all fantastic! A child's smile is priceless and I'm thankful to have been a part of bringing a smile to their faces." — Jerome Vance, MSF volunteer

"There's something truly magical about witnessing smiles and laughter echoing through our events. While we understand that the women and children have faced significant challenges, it's deeply meaningful to see them finding moments of genuine joy. At the Myles Singleton Foundation, we're honored to be even a small part of their journey toward healing and hope." — Shannon Singleton, MSF Executive Director

By the Numbers

12 years of continuous Thanksgiving service
3 shelters currently served annually
Hundreds of survivors and children supported
Thousands of meals served
Countless moments of hope created

Looking Forward

As MSF celebrates over a decade of Thanksgiving service, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach while maintaining the personal touch that makes these events so special. Each year brings new opportunities to innovate while honoring the traditions that have become meaningful touchpoints for both recipients and volunteers.

The Myles Singleton Foundation's Thanksgiving program demonstrates that healing often happens in the smallest moments—in shared meals, creative activities, and simple acts of kindness that bring light to each day.

The Myles Singleton Foundation creates spaces where healing and hope can flourish. Through our Thanksgiving program and other initiatives, we're building a community of support for those who need it most.