Milwaukee County Parks’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Seeks Donations to Feed Hundreds Families This Thanksgiving
MILWAUKEE, WI – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, part of Milwaukee County Parks, is calling on local businesses, organizations, and community members to help make Thanksgiving brighter for Milwaukee families through its annual “Make a Family Smile” Turkey Giveaway.
In partnership with Chris Abele, King Cares MKE, and other community supporters, the King Center hopes to provide Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds of Milwaukee families in need this holiday season. To reach this goal, organizers are seeking monetary donations by Friday, November 20, 2026.
What began as a small act of kindness more than a decade ago has grown into a beloved community tradition. The initiative was started by King Center Manager Dee McCollum, who personally purchased 10 baskets filled with holiday foods and essential items to distribute to families in need. Her generosity inspired others to get involved, including Mary Nelson from Aurora Healthcare, who contributed 20 baskets the following year. By the third year, donations had grown to 40 baskets, setting the foundation for an initiative that has since helped thousands of Milwaukee families.
“Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, and we want to help make sure as many families as possible have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal,” said Dee McCollum, Manager of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. “What started with just 10 baskets has grown into something much bigger because of the generosity of our community. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us continue that tradition and brings us closer to helping hundreds of families this year.”
The annual Turkey Giveaway reflects the King Center’s ongoing commitment to serving Milwaukee residents and strengthening community connections. With the continued support of businesses, organizations, and individual donors, the initiative provides an opportunity for the community to come together and make a meaningful difference during the holiday season.
How You Can Help
Monetary donations are being accepted to help purchase Thanksgiving turkeys for families in need.
- Monetary Donations: Cash and checks are accepted. Please make checks payable to King Cares MKE
- Donation Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026.
- Mail Donations To: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Attn: Dee McCollum, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205.
- Drop-Off Donations: Contact Dee McCollum at (414) 378-3077 to make arrangements.
2026 Turkey Giveaway Event Details
The annual “Make a Family Smile” Turkey Giveaway will take place on Monday, November 23, 2026, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
- Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. until supplies last
- Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205
- Distribution: One turkey per household
- Important: Drive-up only. Participants must remain in their vehicles. Walk-ups will not be accepted.
Free Thanksgiving Sit-Down Meal Details
Come share a warm meal and the joy of Thanksgiving with our community. Thanksgiving Meals will be provided for the first 300 guests.
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205
Special Thanks to Our Supporters Milwaukee County Parks and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center extend their appreciation to Chris Abele, King Cares MKE, and the many businesses, organizations, and community members whose generosity continues to make this annual initiative possible.
Community members interested in contributing are encouraged to make their donations before November 20. Every contribution helps bring the King Center one step closer to its goal of providing Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds of Milwaukee families.
Together, we can make a family smile this Thanksgiving! For more information or to arrange a donation, contact Dee McCollum at (414) 378-3077.
About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.
Image from Milwaukee County Parks.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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