Non-Profit

For many Katy-area families, the holidays mean gathering around the dinner table, sharing favorite recipes and spending time with loved ones. But for households already struggling to afford groceries and everyday necessities, putting together a traditional holiday meal can be difficult. Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) is hoping the community will help change that, one turkey or ham at a time.

The local nonprofit has launched its 15th annual Turkey for Every Table campaign, with a goal of collecting 1,200 turkeys and hams for families served by its Food Pantry, including veterans. Donations are being accepted now through December 12, 2026, giving Katy, Fulshear, Brookshire and surrounding West Houston residents an opportunity to help neighbors enjoy a special meal this holiday season.

Whether it's a frozen turkey added to the grocery cart, a few extra boxes of stuffing or a monetary contribution, the campaign offers several ways for residents, businesses, churches and community groups to make a difference close to home.

Turkey for Every Table: How Katy Residents Can Help

Katy Christian Ministries is asking the community to donate frozen turkeys, frozen hams and traditional holiday side dishes to help fill the tables of families who might otherwise go without a holiday meal.

While the turkey or ham is the centerpiece, the organization also needs the familiar sides that make Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners special.

Holiday food donations needed include:

• Frozen turkeys and frozen hams

• Cranberry sauce

• Stove Top stuffing or generic stuffing mixes

• Cake mixes of any variety

• Mashed potatoes

• Gravy

• Macaroni and cheese

• Green beans

• Canned corn

For residents who would rather contribute financially, KCM is also accepting monetary donations and grocery store gift cards from retailers such as H-E-B, Kroger and Walmart. These contributions allow the organization to purchase additional turkeys and hams as needed.

Donations can be made online at ktcm.org/turkey or through KCM's online donation portal.

Families, neighborhood associations, scout troops, school organizations and local businesses can also organize small food drives, giving groups an opportunity to work together toward the 1,200-turkey-and-ham goal.

Advertisement

Where and When to Drop Off Holiday Food Donations in Katy

Residents interested in donating food can bring their contributions directly to the Katy Christian Ministries Food Pantry.

• KCM Food Pantry at 3506 Porter Road, Suite F, Katy, TX 77493

• Food Pantry donation hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Donation deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026, according to the organization's campaign flyer

The campaign's general event listing extends through December 13, but the flyer specifies December 12 as the donation cutoff. Because the pantry's regular receiving hours are Monday through Thursday, residents planning to donate near the deadline should confirm arrangements with KCM beforehand.

Those purchasing frozen turkeys or hams should keep them properly frozen until drop-off.

More Than a Holiday Food Drive: How Katy Christian Ministries Supports Local Families

For residents who have lived in Katy for years, Katy Christian Ministries may already be a familiar name. The organization has been helping families through difficult circumstances for more than four decades, providing emergency assistance, food and support services to people facing financial hardship and personal crises.

Founded in 1984, Katy Christian Ministries began as a collaborative effort among local churches seeking to respond to the needs of their neighbors. What started as a faith-based community outreach initiative has grown into a nonprofit serving families throughout the greater Katy area.

Although KCM was established through Christian ministries, its services are available to people in need regardless of religious affiliation.

Today, the organization addresses several challenges that can affect a household's stability, including food insecurity, financial emergencies, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Its major service areas include:

• Food assistance: KCM's Food Pantry provides groceries and essential food items to eligible households experiencing food insecurity. Programs such as Turkey for Every Table help address additional needs during the holiday season.

• Social services: The organization assists eligible individuals and families facing financial emergencies, including those who need help with basic living expenses and access to community resources.

• Domestic violence services: KCM provides support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, helping individuals and families navigate difficult and potentially dangerous circumstances.

• Sexual assault services: Through crisis support, advocacy and related assistance, KCM helps survivors access resources during recovery.

• Resale stores: KCM operates resale stores that give donated clothing, household goods and other usable items a second life while helping generate funding for the organization's programs.

Together, these services recognize that a family's needs often extend beyond a single bag of groceries. A household seeking food assistance may also be dealing with reduced work hours, unexpected medical expenses or another financial setback.

For those families, access to community resources can provide some breathing room while they work toward greater stability.

Why Holiday Food Drives Matter in the Katy Area

Katy and the surrounding communities continue to grow, with new neighborhoods, schools and businesses becoming part of the landscape. Yet financial hardship is not always easy to see, particularly in suburban communities where families may appear financially secure from the outside.

A job loss, unexpected home repair, illness or rising household expenses can quickly change a family's circumstances.

Food assistance programs help households stretch limited budgets, and holiday food drives address an additional expense that may be difficult to manage alongside regular bills.

KCM's Turkey for Every Table campaign is particularly meaningful because it includes veterans among the families the organization hopes to serve.

For a veteran living on a limited income, a parent trying to make ends meet or a family recovering from a financial setback, having the ingredients for a holiday dinner can mean one less expense to worry about.

The campaign also offers a reminder that supporting local families does not always require a large financial commitment. A donated box of stuffing, a grocery store gift card or a frozen turkey can become part of a meal shared with people who matter most.

Other Ways to Support Katy Christian Ministries Throughout the Year

Although Turkey for Every Table is a seasonal initiative, the need for assistance does not end when the holidays are over.

Residents interested in supporting Katy Christian Ministries beyond the holiday food drive can contribute in several ways.

• Donate food and household necessities. The Food Pantry serves families throughout the year and relies on community support to help maintain its inventory. Residents can contact KCM to learn which items are most urgently needed.

• Volunteer time. KCM depends on volunteers to help support its operations, including food assistance, resale activities and other community programs. Opportunities and requirements vary by program.

• Donate gently used items. Clothing, furniture and household goods that are in good condition may be accepted through KCM's resale operations, where proceeds help support the nonprofit's work.

• Make a financial contribution. Monetary donations provide flexibility to address needs across the organization's programs, including food assistance and crisis services.

• Organize a neighborhood or workplace collection. Homeowners associations, local businesses, churches, schools and civic organizations can bring people together to collect food, household goods or financial contributions.

Residents can learn more about volunteer opportunities, assistance programs, resale store donations and other ways to get involved by visiting Katy Christian Ministries' website.

What Happens Next for the Turkey for Every Table Campaign?

With the 2026 holiday season approaching, KCM is working toward its goal of securing 1,200 turkeys and hams for local Food Pantry families.

Residents who want to participate can donate food during regular pantry hours, contribute online or coordinate a collection with friends, coworkers or neighbors.

For anyone wondering how to help families in need in Katy this Thanksgiving and Christmas, Turkey for Every Table provides a practical opportunity to make a local difference.

A holiday meal may last only an evening, but for a family navigating a difficult season, the generosity behind it can mean much more.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for additional opportunities to support Katy-area nonprofits, holiday donation drives and community initiatives throughout the season.

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