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Feast of Giving

Volunteeers Needed For Feast of Giving to Return

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The Feast of Giving, Dayton’s beloved Thanksgiving dinner, will return to the Dayton Convention Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Organizers are calling for up to 400 volunteers to help revive this cherished tradition and serve thousands in the Dayton community.

For 50 years beginning in 1969, the Feast of Giving provided warm Thanksgiving meals and fellowship to residents across the region. After a pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is being brought back by local leaders Jason Woodard and Shane Connor, handpicked by long-time stewards Dr. Steve Levitt and Dr. Tom Olsen.

A dedicated working group has been planning the event for over nine months, but many more hands are needed—both on Thanksgiving Day and in the days leading up to it. Michelle Steinbrugge, Volunteer Committee Lead, shared:

“One of the best things about the Feast of Giving is how it brings people from across the community together. We’re excited to welcome both past volunteers and new faces to the next chapter of this unique Dayton tradition.”

Those interested in volunteering can sign up at feastofgiving.org. Shifts will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with notifications beginning in early October.

The Feast of Giving is a component fund of The Dayton Foundation. Businesses or individuals wishing to support the event—either financially or through in-kind donations—are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected] or visit the website

Miami Valley Meals to Host Turkey Takeaway Event For Families in Need

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For a third consecutive year, Miami Valley Meals (MVM) will host a Turkey Takeaway event for those in need across the Miami Valley. The event will be presented by sponsor and partner, The Feast of Giving and will be held on 11/23/22.

The Feast of Giving is an annual Dayton Holiday tradition providing Thanksgiving fare and festive fellowship. This community affair has served over 7,000 guests yearly since 2009 and was most recently enjoyed in the Dayton Convention Center in 2019. The pandemic put the event on hold and MVM was happy to step in to support through meals. The Feast of Giving looks forward to their community event in the future but is happy to support MVM’s efforts to ensure all have a meal to enjoy this holiday.

“The Feast of Giving is both excited and honored to support MVM for a second year in sharing a common goal of providing Thanksgiving meals to those who need them in our community,” said Dr. Stephen Levitt, team member of the Feast of Giving. “These meals are prepared, provided and served with dignity.” Dr. Levitt goes on to say, “We wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday, and we look forward to the return of the Feast of Giving in the future.”

MVM has prepared and distributed over 400,000 meals since its inception in March 2020 with tremendous community and partner support. Over 20,000 of those meals were distributed during previous Turkey Takeaway events. MVM is prepared to continue this tradition of service with love and fellowship this holiday season.

Distributions will take place the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trotwood-Madison High School and the University of Dayton Arena. Guests are to stay in their vehicles, follow signage for the drive-through, and meals will be placed in their vehicles. This is a first come, first served event.

In addition, MVM has once again partnered with the Dayton Young Black Professionals to add two smaller satellite locations in West Dayton with locations to be announced later in October. Distributions at these satellite locations will be from 12 p.m to 3 p.m. Lastly, MVM has gained an additional partner this year in the Fairborn Phoenix Foundation who will also run a distribution from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairborn Phoenix Theater on Broad St. in Fairborn.

“MVM is able to amplify our service during the holiday with the support of the Feast of Giving and of numerous partner organizations who are making a difference every day,” said MVM Executive Director, Amanda DeLotelle. “Our community is made up of helpers, who are deeply invested in progress and its people, and we thank each and every person who puts their trust in us to provide warmth and nourishment through our meals to those who need it.”

Volunteer opportunities will be announced throughout this month on MVM’s website  and its social media channels (@MiamiValleyMeals on Facebook and Instagram).

Miami Valley Meals to Host Turkey Takeaway Meals For Thanksgiving

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For the second year in a row, Miami Valley Meals (MVM) will host a Turkey Takeaway Event for those in need across the Miami Valley. The event is being held this year with support from presenting sponsor, the Feast of Giving.

The Feast of Giving is an annual Dayton Holiday tradition providing Thanksgiving fare and festive fellowship. This community affair has served over 7,000 guests per year since 2009 and was most recently enjoyed in the Dayton Convention Center in 2019. The event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic is forcing the event not to be held this year.

Although Daytonians will not be able to gather together for the Feast of Giving this year, the organization is supportive of MVM’s efforts to ensure all have a meal to enjoy this holiday.

Dr. Stephen Levitt, team member of the Feast of Giving, had this to say,

“The Feast of Giving is both excited and honored to support Miami Valley Meals in sharing a common goal of providing Thanksgiving meals to those who want and need them in our community. These meals are prepared, provided and served with dignity.”

Dr. Levitt goes on to say, “Although this is not our traditional event at the Dayton Convention Center, it provides an excellent Thanksgiving meal during difficult times. We are most grateful to Miami Valley Meals and their staff for making this possible. The Feast of Giving wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday.”

In 2020, MVM distributed 10,000 frozen Thanksgiving meals at two sites along with increased service through their regular partners. This year, the goal is to distribute 15,000 meals.

MVM meals

Distributions this year will again take place the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trotwood-Madison High School and The University of Dayton Arena. Guests are to stay in their vehicles, follow signage for the drive-through, and meals will be placed in their vehicles. Masks are required. This is a first come, first served event.

In addition, MVM has partnered with the Dayton Young Black Professionals to add two smaller satellite locations in West Dayton at the Omega Baptist Church and the Dayton Boys & Girls Club. Distributions at these satellite locations will be from 12 p.m to 3 p.m.

Formerly working out of gracious host kitchens at House of Bread, the Life Enrichment Center and Lindy’s at Daybreak, MVM is now housed under one roof with its own kitchen. Miami Valley Meals is a partner agency of The Foodbank who will support this event with ingredient sourcing, temporary storage and trucks on the day of the event. MVM also reconnected with its former production partner, Lindy’s at Daybreak, to provide dessert for this year’s meals.

“The Turkey Takeaway event is made possible by tremendous community partnership, a supportive board and a hard-working team. We are all working towards the same goal — to provide a sense of normalcy, warmth and respite from difficult situations,” said MVM Executive Director, Amanda DeLotelle. “If you are struggling, we hope that the meal we provide makes your Thanksgiving a bit easier and brighter.”

Volunteer opportunities will be announced later this month on MVM’s website (miamivalleymeals.org) and its social media channels (@MiamiValleyMeals on Facebook and Instagram).

 

 

Feast for the Community

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feastThere’s a bit of a storied history of the event that has come to be known as the Feast of Giving. Previously sponsored by a corporate foundation, in 2008 they decided to give it up as a major event, but Dayton wasn’t ready to let it go quietly. In fact, there was quite an uproar. Now, a true community effort – with the combined support of  Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio, Stratacache, Lastar, RTA, ABC22/FOX45 and hundreds of partners and volunteers – this is the fifth year that it has been the Feast of Giving.

I had heard about this free Thanksgiving meal, but never really understood what it was. Without taking the time to learn about it, I assumed it was a large-scale soup kitchen set-up. Just like I wouldn’t take advantage of the generosity of a service organization feeding the homeless on any other day, I sure wasn’t going to go in for a meal on Thanksgiving.

I sure was wrong.

The Feast of Giving, Thanksgiving in Dayton is an event that reaches out to bring the entire community together. It is a dinner, a feast2celebration, a community event based on the following principles:
To provide a dinner for anyone that might be spending the holiday alone.
To provide a dinner for those that are homeless or less fortunate.
To provide a dinner for anyone who wants to attend.

I talked to a couple people who work behind the scenes to make the event happen. Leslie Barrow, from the Dayton Convention Center – the host of the annual event – shared that over the last five years it really has become a huge community event. Complete with live music by the Chris Bowman Band, guests eat, drink, dance and celebrate the day. Kids have their own room with special kid-themed arts, crafts, tattoos, music and more. Plus, Ident-A-Kid will be there providing their services.

Continuing the family theme, for those who need – gloves, hats and coats are available to keep kids and adults warm as winter blows into Dayton.

Although there are many services for those who may need extra support, this is a community party for every. Barrow shared that in the past, she’s visited a friend from church each Thanksgiving. When Barrow asked about this year, her friend said, “I’m not cooking this year – I’m coming (to the Feast of Giving) with you. I’m 65; I want to volunteer and enjoy the meal and the day.” The fact that it’s a party for the whole community is reflected in the numbers – the number of guests coming through the lines has doubled in the last 5 years. Barrow says, “it’s a wonderful melting pot of people – a true reflection of this country and our community.”

Last year, they broke a record with over 8,500 attendees and they’re prepared for all that and more. The volunteer slots are all taken – but you can still enjoy the meal and the day. There’s room at the table (and on the dance floor and in the crafts room and at the karaoke stage) for you and your family. Join in the community celebration. With the party happening from 11AM – 2PM, you can enjoy lunch with your neighbors in the region and dinner with your family.

feast1Kathy Shearer from Ovations Food Service (the catering company that handles all the food preparation) shared that the Feast is a “true community event.”  Shearer has noticed many changes since the event has become the “Feast of Giving.” She lists so many reason why there’s a great positive feeling from everyone – no ticket is required, it’s all-you-can-eat, there are plenty of events and everyone has a great time. Is it a family event? Shearer shared the story of a multi-generational family of 28 people who came to the Feast because there wasn’t room in anyone’s home to get that many people around a table. There’s plenty of room at the Feast!

RTA buses are free from anywhere to downtown until 4PM, and guests who drive can park in the Transportation Center Garage for free.

Over 500 volunteers come together to make the event a reality. But don’t plan on deciding to help out at the last minute – all the volunteer slots have been filled since late September by families, church groups, organizations, individuals and friends. People are still calling, and the team has to turn away volunteers every year. (If you really want to get in on the action of serving, House of Bread and many other great service organizations accept volunteers 365 days/year.)  Donations to this great event are accepted through a fund at The Dayton Foundation.

Starting at 2AM, the Ovations staff will be there to start the cooking in preparation for an 11AM doors open. What will they be cooking? Here’s the feast by the numbers:

  • 8,500 served in 2012 – and room for more in 2013
  • 2,617 lbs turkey (that’s a ton + a quarter!) donated by Cooper Farms
  • 800 lbs cole slaw
  • 2,000 lbs green beans
  • 2,000 lbs cranberry sauce
  • 2,000 lbs mashed pot
  • 2,000 lbs stuffing
  • 100 gallons gravy
  • 10,000 dinner rolls
  • 10,000 ice cream cups
  • 1,300 pies (fruit, sweet potato, pumpkin and chocolate cream)

Mike-Sells, Wallingford, Produce One, Victory Grocers, I Supply, and Ovations all donated food to make the event happen. Leftovers will go to House of Bread and St. Vincent de Paul to continue the spirit of giving.

Shearer shared that the Feast of Giving is an event that everyone should experience. “When you leave at the end of the day, it’s very humbling – it’s awesome. You don’t even care that you worked Thanksgiving. People are having a blast.”  Join the party between 11AM-2PM on Thanksgiving.