NAACP Murfreesboro Branch Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive for Families This Holiday Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominique Fields, Press and Publicity Chair

NAACP - Murfreesboro Branch 5605-B

Murfreesboro, TN (November 24, 2025) — The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2025 Thanksgiving food drive, which provided full holiday dinner packages to ten local families whose SNAP benefits were disrupted by the recent U.S. government shutdown. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of community members, the drive exceeded its original goal and supplied additional meals beyond the initial ten-family target.

With the Federal government shutdown resulting in delays and reductions to support programs, numerous families in Rutherford County experienced sudden difficulties securing their usual resources. Recognizing the urgent need, the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch mobilized quickly to organize a food drive specifically for those families. Each recipient family received a complete Thanksgiving meal kit, including turkey or main dish, traditional sides, desserts, and all the fixings, enabling them to enjoy the holiday without added stress.

“It’s heartening to see how many stepped forward to help. Because of their kindness, we were able not only to meet the needs of the ten identified families, but also to extend a helping hand to additional households,” said David Settles, President of Murfreesboro NAACP.

The collection effort was anchored by a donation table set up at Patterson Park Community Center on November 22, where residents and local business patrons dropped off non-perishable goods, canned items, and cooked ham and/or frozen turkeys. “We’re grateful to Patterson Park Community Center for serving as our hub,” said President Settles. “Their space and flexibility allowed us to turn goodwill into concrete support very quickly.”

Special thanks to The Lofts at Gateway Commons, who provided a highly visible, accessible centerpiece for the collection drive, making it easy for community members to contribute. 

“As we gather around our own tables this Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the strength of community,” added President Settles. “When times get tough, we lean on one another — and this drive is a testament to that spirit in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.”

The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch encourages anyone wishing to support ongoing efforts — whether through food donations, financial contributions, or volunteer time — to visit its website or contact the chapter directly.

About the NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st-century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

For more information or to learn how to get involved, please get in touch with the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch at www.naacpmurfreesboro.org.