United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED Distributes 800+ Thanksgiving Meal Kits to Local Veterans During 10th Annual Operation Turkey Dinner
- adriana
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Rick Case Automotive employees
United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED volunteers distributed more than 800 Thanksgiving meal kits to Broward County Veterans and their families during the 10th annual Operation Turkey Dinner event on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Held at United Way Broward’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, the drive-through distribution ensured local military families had everything needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal at home.
Each meal kit, designed to feed a family of four, was filled with traditional holiday essentials, including instant stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread mix, marshmallows, canned vegetables, pie crust, pumpkin pie mix, cranberry sauce, evaporated milk, aluminum foil, and a $25 Publix gift card to complete their holiday feast.
“This event is one of the most meaningful days of the year for our team,” said James Heaton, Vice President of United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED. “Operation Turkey Dinner is our way of ensuring veterans feel supported, appreciated, and connected, especially during the holidays and thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers, hundreds of military families will be able to gather around a full Thanksgiving table.”
James Heaton, Maria Hernandez and Scott Hannux
The meal kits were provided to pre-registered Broward County Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, National Guard, and Reserve Members and their families as part of MISSION UNITED’s year-round commitment to supporting military households as they transition through civilian life. Beyond holiday assistance, MISSION UNITED offers comprehensive services including employment support, education, legal resources, housing assistance, health services, and financial stability programs. Veterans and their loved ones can register for future events or access services by calling 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org.
Operation Turkey Dinner was made possible through the generosity of key sponsors including Rick Case Automotive, JM Family Enterprises, 15th Street Fisheries, Provenance Health Advisors, Debbie’s Dream Foundation, AT&T Pioneers, and Fisk Electric, alongside dozens of dedicated volunteers. Presenting Sponsor Ryan Case of Rick Case Automotive joined volunteers to personally greet and serve veterans.
Kathleen Cannon and Ryan Case
About United Way Broward
United Way Broward mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. For more than 85 years, United Way Broward has brought a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across the communities in Broward County means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives in collaboration with our donors, volunteers, corporate and agency partners. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.
About United Way Broward's MISSION UNITED
MISSION UNITED is a critical program supporting US military service members, Veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment services, education, health, legal assistance, financial stability and housing support. Through MISSION UNITED, United Way Broward is aligning existing services and creating solutions where there are gaps in support. For more information about MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org, Facebook or Twitter.