The City of Portsmouth is once again hosting its annual Portsmouth Cares Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway this weekend, providing more than 350 turkeys along with traditional sides and fixings to families facing hardship.

How to Receive a Food Box

The giveaway operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Residents are asked to drive up to the distribution site with a valid government‑issued ID or any document that shows a current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. “Drive up with an ID ready to show that has an address on it. There could be many kinds of proof of residence. That could be a utility bill or any kind of document that shows your address on it,” explained J.D. Sumner, public affairs representative for the City of Portsmouth.

Community Unity Amid Economic Strain

Sumner emphasized that the giveaway is more than a distribution of food; it is an opportunity for the community to come together during a difficult time. “Higher inflation and gas prices and everything else being so expensive take an opportunity and enjoy what the season is really all about, which is gratitude and giving back,” he said.

Partner Organizations Join the Effort

The HER Shelter, a local organization that assists individuals experiencing homelessness and domestic‑violence situations, is also stepping up this holiday season. Program Director Joy Shaffer told News 3 that families are feeling the pressure of inflation and a tight economy, and the shelter plans its own giveaways in the coming weeks.

“It warms everyone’s hearts, especially mine, just to know there are so many agencies and churches that really care enough,” Shaffer added.

Beyond Thanksgiving

The HER Shelter has additional events planned beyond the holiday. “For Thanksgiving, we’re doing food drives, and then for Christmas, we’re getting people adopted for the holiday season and not just the children, but the parents as well,” Shaffer explained.

These coordinated efforts reflect Portsmouth’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents, reinforcing the values of gratitude, generosity, and community solidarity that define the Thanksgiving season.

What Residents Need to Know

• When: This weekend (specific date and time as announced by the city)
• Where: Designated city distribution site (address provided by the City of Portsmouth)
• What: One turkey, side dishes, and fixings per household
• How: First‑come, first‑served; bring a valid ID or proof of residence

For more information, residents can contact the City of Portsmouth’s public affairs office or visit the official city website.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.