For many families, Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, share a meal and appreciate the people who make their community feel like home. But for some households in Harris and Fort Bend counties, putting enough food on that table is an ongoing challenge. Residents of Lakemont have an opportunity to make a difference this holiday season, thanks to a community-wide effort led by local firefighters.

The Heroes Helping Hands Food Drive, supported by the Willowfork Fire Department, Westlake Volunteer Fire Department, Community Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion, is collecting non-perishable food donations through Saturday, November 14, 2026.

With eight collection locations throughout Katy and West Houston, the initiative is making it easier for neighbors to help neighbors, particularly families, veterans and others who may need additional support as Thanksgiving approaches.

Organizers say every donation will remain within the local community, supporting families, Katy ISD schools, food pantries, nonprofit organizations and veterans through their partnership with the American Legion.

Food Insecurity Affects More Local Families Than Many Realize

In communities known for good schools, established neighborhoods and strong local connections, it can be easy to overlook how many households struggle to afford basic necessities.

Yet food insecurity does not always look the way people might expect. It can affect working parents whose paychecks are stretched between groceries and housing, seniors living on fixed incomes, or military families navigating financial challenges.

The Heroes Helping Hands campaign highlights several statistics that help explain why this effort matters:

• 1 in 5 Harris County residents experiences food insecurity, according to the campaign's approximation of Feeding America data.

• 1 in 8 Fort Bend County residents faces similar challenges.

• 1 in 6 post-9/11 veterans and military families experiences food insecurity, according to research highlighted by the veteran-serving organization Combined Arms.

The county estimates cited in the campaign come from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap 2025 study, which reflects 2023 data. Combined Arms has separately reported that approximately 17% of post-9/11 veterans and military families experience food insecurity.

These figures are a reminder that hunger is not limited to distant communities or major emergencies. It is an issue affecting people throughout the Greater Houston area, including neighborhoods where families may quietly struggle to keep up with everyday expenses.

For residents of Lakemont, the food drive offers a practical opportunity to help address a local need without having to travel far from home.

Where to Donate to the Heroes Helping Hands Food Drive Near Katy

Residents can drop off non-perishable food donations at the following participating collection locations through November 14.

Willowfork Fire Department, Fort Bend County ESD No. 2

• Station 1: 24655 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, TX 77494

• Station 2: 26950 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, Katy, TX 77494

• Station 3: 2700 Spring Green Boulevard, Katy, TX 77494

Westlake Volunteer Fire Department

• 19636 Saums Road, Houston, TX 77084

Community Volunteer Fire Department, Station 91

• 16003 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77083

American Legion Post 164

• 22125 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, TX 77450

Additional Community Collection Locations

• Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center: 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, TX 77493

• Steve Radack Community Center: 18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084

Residents should confirm access and collection hours with their preferred location before making a special trip, particularly on the final day.

What Can Residents Donate to Help Local Families?

The Heroes Helping Hands Food Drive is accepting non-perishable food items, making it easy for residents to contribute while completing their regular grocery shopping.

Practical donation ideas include canned vegetables, beans, soups, canned proteins, rice, pasta and other shelf-stable foods. Items should be unopened, properly sealed and within their expiration dates. Organizers have not published a specific food wish list.

Families looking for a simple way to participate might consider adding a few extra pantry staples to their next grocery order or inviting children to help select items for donation.

For households watching their own budgets, participating does not have to mean filling an entire shopping cart. A few additional cans or boxes of food can still contribute to the broader collection effort.

Local Firefighters and Veterans Organizations Working Together for Their Neighbors

The Heroes Helping Hands Food Drive brings together public safety organizations that already have deep connections to the communities they serve.

Founded in 2003, the Willowfork Fire Department operates through Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2, providing fire protection and emergency response services to neighborhoods in northwestern Fort Bend County.

By joining forces with the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department, Community Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion, the initiative extends that spirit of community service beyond emergency response.

The partnership also recognizes the food assistance needs of veterans and military families. Organizations such as Combined Arms, which operates veteran-focused mobile food pantries in Texas, have documented the importance of connecting military-connected households with reliable food resources.

The food drive's message, "Local Heroes. Local Hearts. Local Impact.", reflects the shared purpose behind the effort: bringing together neighbors and community organizations to help people close to home.

Final Opportunity to Give Before Thanksgiving

With the collection deadline approaching on November 14, residents who have been meaning to contribute still have an opportunity to participate.

For families in Lakemont, this can be a small but meaningful way to begin the Thanksgiving season. Whether it is an extra bag of groceries, a few pantry essentials or a family shopping trip that includes items for donation, each contribution becomes part of a larger community effort.

Thanksgiving is often associated with being grateful for what is on the table. This year, local firefighters and their community partners are offering neighbors a chance to help make sure more families have something to put on theirs.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more local volunteer opportunities, community initiatives and ways to support neighbors throughout the Greater Houston area.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

Local business spotlight

Grow your business
where trust already lives.

Let’s introduce your business to the neighbors nearby.

Spotlight My Business →

Have a local favorite? Recommend a business