EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Just in time for the holidays, Eastern Michigan University and partnering organizations invited the community to a free Thanksgiving giveaway and sit-down meal during “Thankful for You” at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Nov. 16. The event was designed to promote a sense of togetherness and thankfulness.

During the first part of the event, more than 250 cars lined up in anticipation of meal kits for up to six people with traditional Thanksgiving staples and a mix of frozen turkeys, hams, and pies. Following the drive-through event, 500 community members were treated to a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner featuring traditional favorites and a band performance.

“Thankful for You is near and dear to the heart of the Hudley Foundation,” said Samuel Estes, EMU alumnus and vice-chairman of the Hundley Foundation’s Board of Directors. “It’s about servicing the community we’re a part of and providing support, especially during the holiday season.” 

The Hundley Foundation chairman and former NFL player Brett Hundley volunteered his time with Estes to provide meals and engage with students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Hundley said he felt really good about the event’s outcome. “Just to see the impact is one of the things we strive to do as an organization,” said Hundley. "Seeing the cars lined up means the world that all of these families could come out and get meals they may not have been able to have and have a nice Thanksgiving.”

Event sponsors were Eastern Michigan University, the Hundley Foundation, Chartwells (the national food service management company behind the University's EDining operation), and Golden Limousine. 

Additionally, Chartwells hosted “Thank-ful,” which featured holiday fixings, a canned food drive, interactive sustainability crafts, and more at the Commons for students, faculty, and staff.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.