Vessel Project to Hold Thanksgiving Grocery Giveaway

The Lake Charles nonprofit is collecting food donations through November 17 ahead of its November 23 event.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy

Stacked woven baskets of canned goods and rice bags on a concrete loading dock beside a live oak and flat Louisiana lowland under soft afternoon light. — Vessel Project of Louisiana is collecting hams, turkeys, rice, and canned goods through November 17 for its Thanksgiving giveaway on November 23 in Lake Charles. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vessel Project of Louisiana is collecting donations for its fifth annual Thanksgiving grocery giveaway, with drop-offs accepted through November 17. The giveaway will be held November 23 alongside a community luncheon with Queen of the South No. 14.

Why it matters

Organizers cite rising food, gas, insurance, and rent costs as factors increasing need in the Lake Charles area and across Southwest Louisiana. The donation drive aims to help families stretch their holiday budgets.

Vessel Project of Louisiana aims to feed at least 200 families at its fifth annual giveaway on November 23. Donations are accepted at 2116 Hodges Street on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 17, and the current volume of donations collected has not been reported.

The players

Vessel Project of Louisiana

A Lake Charles-based nonprofit that runs food and community assistance programs for local residents.

Queen of the South No. 14

A local community organization partnering with Vessel Project on the November 23 luncheon.

The details

Donations of hams, turkeys, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, rice, milk, cereal, eggs, and canned goods are being accepted at the Vessel Project location on Hodges Street. The drive kicks off the group's Thanksgiving grocery distribution and community luncheon with Queen of the South No. 14.

November 4: Vessel Project kicks off its donation drive.
November 17: Donation collection period ends.
November 23: Thanksgiving grocery giveaway and community luncheon are held.

Local Context

Organizers attribute the event's expansion to rising food, gas, insurance, and rent costs that are increasing demand for assistance across Southwest Louisiana. The fifth-year giveaway reflects a sustained local effort to meet that growing need during the holiday season.

Residents who want to help can drop off hams, turkeys, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, rice, milk, cereal, eggs, or canned goods at 2116 Hodges Street on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families who need assistance can look to the November 23 giveaway as a holiday food resource in Lake Charles.

The takeaway

Small, specific donations of shelf-stable staples and holiday staples can make a meaningful difference for families stretching their budgets this season. Checking local drop-off hours before November 17 helps ensure contributions reach the November 23 giveaway in time.

What happens next

Donations are accepted at 2116 Hodges Street through November 17, and the Thanksgiving grocery giveaway and community luncheon take place November 23.