Watch: John 3:16 Mission Holding Thanksgiving Food Drive

Thanksgiving will cost more for many families this year.

As some Tulsans struggle to pay for food, John 3:16 Mission wants to help. Organization leaders say there’s an even greater need this year. The non-profit is collecting Thanksgiving essentials like turkeys, stuffing, and mashed potatoes to provide meals and boxes for families over the Thanksgiving holiday.

This food drive happens every year at John 3:16 Mission. But Deputy CEO Reverend Steven Whitaker says other organizations that have helped in previous years through COVID can't help this time.

"We're seeing families really struggling with their food security in general and so it's easy to forgo that expense. Turkey prices are up,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker says for the past few years, John 3:16 has collected around 4,000 food baskets. He hopes this year's donations can meet a goal of 5,000 turkeys and meals with all the fixings. They’re asking for include pie filling, cranberry sauce, and canned items like green beans, sweet potatoes, and corn.

"We at John 3:16 believe families should get to have Thanksgiving together, and not have to forgo that meal or be struggling for food at least on that day. We don't want them to struggle any days, but we feed people and we do love. So, we're trying to love on people and help them have a great meal together,” Whitaker said.

The food drives start this Saturday and continue for the next two weekends after at locations across Green Country.

You can find the list of locations here: Fall Food Drives (john316mission.org)