On Friday, families of active‑duty military members and veterans gathered at two drive‑through locations in Salt Lake City and Ogden to receive a complete Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of the Ken Garff Automotive Group. The nonprofit‑style effort delivered 1,000 meals, each featuring a frozen turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a pumpkin pie.
Community gratitude in action
Ken Garff’s regional president, Jason Frampton, explained that the initiative was designed as a modest way to honor those who serve and have served the United States. “We were honored to provide Thanksgiving dinners to local veterans as a small way of showing our appreciation for their service and ensuring they feel supported and remembered during the holiday season,” Frampton said.
The two drive‑through events were organized to make distribution quick and safe. Volunteers from the automotive group and local churches helped load the meals into vehicles, allowing recipients to stay in their cars while receiving the food. The effort reflects a broader tradition of Utah businesses stepping forward to support military families, a demographic that values both faith and patriotic service.
Why the holiday matters for service members
Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather around the table, share gratitude, and enjoy a home‑cooked meal. For many active‑duty personnel and veterans, especially those stationed away from home or facing financial challenges, a full Thanksgiving dinner can be a rare blessing. By providing these meals, Ken Garff helps preserve the family‑centered traditions that are the backbone of strong neighborhoods.
Local veterans’ organizations praised the gesture, noting that the meals will reach families who might otherwise go without a traditional feast. The partnership between the automotive group and community volunteers underscores the importance of private‑sector generosity in supporting those who have defended the Constitution and the nation’s freedoms.
Looking ahead
Ken Garff Automotive Group has indicated that this Thanksgiving drive is part of an ongoing commitment to the military community. While the current effort focused on the holiday season, the company plans to explore additional ways to assist service members throughout the year, including job fairs and scholarship programs.
Residents of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and the surrounding Utah communities are encouraged to consider similar acts of service, whether through donating food, volunteering time, or supporting local businesses that prioritize family and faith values. As the nation heads into the holiday season, stories like this remind us that caring for our military families is a shared responsibility that strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
