Thanksgiving Dinner for 1,000 -- from Caron Butler

Kevin Meiczkowski from the Racine County Food Bank,
and Joyce Ferrell, Bethany Van Koningsveld, and Sharon Van Koningsveld
from the Harvest Outreach Food Pantry prepare turkeys for distribution

Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards is providing Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of needy Racine residents.

The former Racine resident and NBA All-Star has donated 200 turkeys to the Racine County Food Bank, and Harvest Outreach Food Pantry is handling the distribution of the turkeys to income-eligible local families for their Thanksgiving dinner. Families received vouchers for the turkeys through referrals from the Salvation Army.

Butler will also provide a full-course dinner – turkey and all the fixings – on Thanksgiving Day to more than 120 homeless men, women and children living at HALO homeless shelter, and for 50 residents of Bethany Apartments, which provides services, support and subsidized apartments for women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. Working with United Way of Racine County, which supports all three organizations with annual funding, Butler’s generosity will help nearly 1,000 people in Racine enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving Day.

“LIVE UNITED, the message United Way is bringing to the community, fit with my wish to provide an enjoyable and happy Thanksgiving to people in need this holiday,” Butler said. “Both HALO and Bethany Apartments work hard to provide shelter and supportive services to people facing difficult times. These organizations help individuals and families regain their self-esteem and develop the skills needed to live independent lives. I hope my small gift brings a bright spot during the holiday to these people who are working hard to become independent.”

Nor is this the first time Butler has remembered his roots. Just last summer, on Juneteenth Day, he provided 500 bicycles for local kids. See stories and pictures HERE and HERE.