North Las Vegas residents received a much‑needed Thanksgiving food giveaway on Thursday, thanks to a partnership between the Donna Street Community Center, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye, the Paye Family Foundation and several local businesses.
Community effort eases holiday budget pressures
Jennifer Gomez arrived at the center with her children, who headed straight for the donuts while their mother collected a turkey, eggs and butter for the holiday meal. “It’s a struggle, but we’re still holding on,” Gomez said, adding that having the food package means one less expense for her family.
The giveaway comes at a time when households are feeling the pinch of rising costs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that consumer prices were 3.7% higher in September than a year earlier, with grocery prices up 1.8% over the same period.
Economic backdrop
UNLV economist Stephen Miller warned that the price pressure can force families to make tough choices between essentials like medicine and food. “We don’t see any relief at the moment,” Miller said, noting the impact is visible at gas stations, grocery stores and other everyday purchases.
Despite the broader challenges, Miller emphasized that a donated Thanksgiving meal can brighten a family’s holiday, even if long‑term affordability remains a concern.
Why the giveaway matters to Paye
For Paye, the effort is personal. “I was one of those families that relied a lot on the community for help,” he explained. “Being able to give back means everything.” The Paye Family Foundation has been working with the community center for five years to organize the annual turkey giveaway.
Center founder Robert Strawder Jr., who grew up in the neighborhood with a single mother raising five children, said he is seeing greater need this year. “It takes a community and it takes a village to raise a family,” he said, expressing gratitude for the support of local partners.
Local businesses step up
Findlay Volkswagen, represented by General Manager Melisa Eichbauer, contributed to the event. “Anytime you can get your family all in one place around a table, you shouldn’t be worried about how much the meal costs,” Eichbauer said. “You should be worried about how much love you can fill the room with.”
Beyond the holiday giveaway, the community center provides ongoing assistance, from homework help to emergency food aid. Gomez noted that the center’s support extends beyond special events, saying, “Not just when there’s events, you could even tell them beforehand and they’ll help you out.”
Looking ahead
The fifth annual Thanksgiving food drive highlights the power of local collaboration to address rising living costs. Organizers hope the model can be replicated in other neighborhoods facing similar economic pressures.
As families gather around their Thanksgiving tables, the combined effort of a professional athlete, a charitable foundation and neighborhood businesses demonstrates how faith, family and community can work together to uphold the values that strengthen our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
