Press Release: 11/13/2025
United in Gratitude: Join us in Fighting Hunger this Thanksgiving
BY LUISA MUÑOZ
NOV 12 2025
HUNDREDS OF HANDS FILL BAGS WITH FOOD. LAUGHTER AND DETERMINATION FILL THE AIR AS VOLUNTEERS PACK THOUSANDS OF MEALS FOR FAMILIES WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE GO WITHOUT THIS THANKSGIVING. FOR KAREN BOMMART AND HER DAUGHTER, IT’S A TRADITION OF GIVING THAT HITS HOME EVERY YEAR. EACH BAG PACKED CARRIES NOT JUST FOOD, BUT HOPE AND A CHANCE FOR FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER.
No family should go hungry this Thanksgiving. Together, we can bring hope—and meals—to those in need.
As we enter the season of gratitude, United Way of Massachusetts Bay is once again bringing together corporate partners, volunteers, civic leaders, and community members for one of our most cherished traditions: the annual Thanksgiving Project, November 17–21. This initiative has grown to become one of our largest community efforts over the past 26 years.
Photo: Families visiting one of our Thanksgiving Project distribution sites, November 2024.
As conveners, we work alongside our partners to ensure that no family goes through the holiday without a meal or the hope of support. Last year, over 700 volunteers and 278 donors came together to raise $750,820, distributing 104,000 pounds of food, $180,000 in grants, and 10,000 gift cards. With 63 community agencies participating across 19 communities, more than 16,000 families were able to celebrate the season with dignity.
Behind the impact of the Thanksgiving Project are volunteers like Karen Bommart, a longtime United Way supporter. Karen has been involved with United Way for more than 20 years through her company, Battery Ventures, and joined the Project with her daughter, Maureen, for a second time last year. When the opportunity to volunteer again arose, they both jumped at it.
Photo: Karen Bommart from Battery and her daughter Maureen at our Thanksgiving Project packing site, November 2024.
Karen and her daughter especially enjoy the hands-on projects. “There’s a lot of opportunity to donate money, time, or ideas to many great causes, and we do that. But when we get to actually do something tangible—handling the food, stuffing hundreds of pounds of food into bags—it really drives home how important food security is for families. Being able to participate makes the impact real,” Karen shares.
Maureen adds her own perspective, blending seamlessly with her mom’s: “It’s a great environment for a great cause. This is my second year doing food packaging. We’re very lucky, and most people here are too, and it feels great to give back to the community for people who are less fortunate.”
Together, their voices capture the spirit of the Thanksgiving Project: the joy of working side by side, the tangible impact of each action, and the shared understanding that every bag packed represents a family with hope for the holidays.
While United Way’s work spans many areas — from advancing economic mobility and expanding early education opportunities to strengthening access to stable housing — food security remains a vital component of community well-being. This year, our efforts carry special urgency. Changes to food assistance programs have left thousands of Massachusetts households struggling to afford basic groceries, even as the cost of other essentials rises.
Every instance of food insecurity is a family, a neighbor, a community member — each counting on our collective support. You can be part of the solution. Join us today as a volunteer or donor to make a lasting difference and ensure every family has a reason to give thanks this holiday season.
AT UNITED WAY, GRATITUDE IS MORE THAN A FEELING — IT’S ACTION. IT’S SHOWING UP FOR ONE ANOTHER, ESPECIALLY WHEN TIMES ARE HARDEST.
Information on sponsorship available here or email engagement@supportunitedway.org.
Photo: Volunteers at Catholic Charities Dorchester, one of our Thanksgiving Project distribution sites, November 2024.