2026 Thanksgiving of Hope: National Thanksgiving Meal Gift Card Initiative

2026 Thanksgiving of Hope: National Thanksgiving Meal Gift Card Initiative
Fundraising Goal: $10,000

The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is raising funds to help families facing financial hardship afford a Thanksgiving meal. For parents struggling to keep up with groceries, housing, and everyday expenses, the added cost of a holiday meal can be difficult to manage. The Foundation wants to help ease that burden and give more families the opportunity to gather around the table for Thanksgiving.

The 2026 Thanksgiving of Hope initiative will provide meal gift cards to approved families nationwide through two planned national distribution events in November 2026. Families may also request assistance online and, if approved, receive gift cards through the Foundation's available distribution arrangements.

The Foundation's goal is to raise $10,000, with each approved household receiving a gift card worth at least $50. The total number of families assisted will depend on donations received and available resources.

Donations Needed

Help the Foundation reach its $10,000 goal and provide Thanksgiving meal assistance to families across the country.

Donations may be made through the Foundation's website, participating workplace giving programs such as Benevity, or PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G88KEWBWBVGA8

Every contribution helps the Foundation work toward reaching more families this Thanksgiving.

Who Can Request Assistance?

The Foundation will consider requests from families experiencing financial hardship, particularly households with children and families dealing with the financial effects of a crisis or other difficult circumstances.

Consideration may also be given to families whose students demonstrate perseverance in school and positive involvement in their communities despite economic challenges.

All requests are subject to review and available funding. Submitting a request does not guarantee assistance.

How Gift Cards Will Be Distributed

The Foundation plans to distribute gift cards through two national distribution events during November 2026. Families who cannot participate in those events may submit an online request for consideration.

Each approved household will receive a gift card worth a minimum of $50 to help purchase food for Thanksgiving. Gift cards will be distributed through the planned events and available online distribution arrangements.

Reaching the $10,000 fundraising goal would provide significant support for this effort. If the entire amount were available for gift cards at the minimum value of $50 each, it could support at least 200 households. The actual number served will depend on available funds for direct assistance and distribution costs.

“Families should not have to worry about how they will afford a Thanksgiving meal while trying to keep up with everyday expenses,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and President of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation. “We want to help where we can and make the holiday a little easier for parents and children who are going through a difficult time.”

Requesting Assistance

Families seeking consideration may visit the Foundation's official website:
https://www.theuvaldefoundation.com/
Online requests are subject to review and approval based on need and available resources. Assistance is not guaranteed.

For information, contact the Foundation at 254-499-8027 or email [youthpeacejusticefoundation@gmail.com](mailto:youthpeacejusticefoundation@gmail.com).

Thank you for helping families facing financial hardship share a holiday meal with their loved ones.

About the Foundation

The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is a national youth advocacy and violence-prevention nonprofit established following the May 24, 2022, Robb Elementary School tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

The Foundation works to prevent violence, support young people and families in crisis, and strengthen communities through its Recognize–Intervene–Prevent approach. Its programs and initiatives include crisis response, emergency family assistance, youth advocacy, scholarships, Trees for Peace, and memorial projects honoring young lives affected by violence.

The Thanksgiving of Hope initiative extends this work by providing practical assistance to families facing financial hardship during the holiday season.

The Uvalde Foundation For Kids
Phone: 254-499-8027
Email: youthpeacejusticefoundation@gmail.com
Website: https://www.theuvaldefoundation.com/
Charity ID: 88-3268749