When the Ford Fund team learned in August there would be a shortage of turkeys and our local partner, Gleaners Food Bank, would likely be finding alternative proteins sources, we stepped up to amplify food drives internally and issue an immediate grant to provide 2000 turkeys to families served at the Ford Community Centers on the east side and southwest sides of Detroit.

Families received their turkeys last week and were delighted as they talked of plans of brining versus roasting and what sort of sides family members would be bringing. While there can be profound need, there is also tremendous joy in gathering. 

This holiday is especially important as the struggles we often focus on have been exacerbated by many of the same "perfect storm" challenges that have gripped the auto industry. When we think of a holiday meal, add 10% for inflation, an avian flu that wiped out much of North America's turkey population, tight budgets at food banks, increased cost and high demand.

I recently joined the team at the Ford Fund, Ford Motor Company's incredible philanthropy, after serving on the Design Thinking team at D Ford in the Detroit Lab. My role, as senior manager of Essential Services, is to support communities around the world with disaster relief, basic needs and access to resources. While the challenges facing many communities are more challenging than ever, there is an earnest joy in connecting through service during this historic "post-Covid" time. 

As we all prepare to celebrate our own Thanksgiving traditions this week, I want to send a note of thanks to Ford and Ford Fund employees for showing up during this epic time to meet community needs. Including:

• Donating nearly $30,000 through a virtual food drive to support families this Thanksgiving
• Volunteering at food distributions at the Ford Community Centers
• Serving hot meals at Pope Francis Center in Detroit
• Packing and delivering Thanksgiving meals with Detroit Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels
• Helping build and design our new Thanksgiving parade float
• Volunteering as crew for America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thank you for showing up to listen, understand and work to meet community needs this holiday, which include everything from food to joy. Happy Thanksgiving.

All the best,

Luisa Schumacher

PS. Visit the Ford Volunteer Corps for more opportunities to volunteer over the coming weeks and months. Thank you for your service!