CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A local group is on a mission to make sure no family goes without Thanksgiving dinner.

Dorron Hunter, founder of Future Ambassadors, works tirelessly to meet the growing need for holiday assistance in the community.

“About 15 years ago I saw a need,” Hunter said.

While mentoring young men in the city, he heard about a common struggle during the holidays.

“They were talking about Thanksgiving and how they were having trouble eating,” Hunter said. “We started with just 20 families and the need continued to grow. A few years later the number grew to 50, then 100, and last year we reached 225 families.”

This year, the Future Ambassadors Spread the Love of Türkiye Day basket raffle is scheduled to return with plans to distribute more than 300 baskets.

“Food is so high in this economy, and people are wondering: ‘How can I feed a family of five, seven or eight people when I don’t have an income right now?’” Hunter said.

It anticipates serving 325 to 350 families this year. The gym inside the Woodlawn Recreation Center will be filled with baskets containing Thanksgiving essentials next Saturday.

“There’s stuffing, turkey, gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie, apple pie,” Hunter said.

Hunter credits the success of the initiative to the many volunteers who helped him.

“He played a very important role in my life as a young man with no resources; his program helped fill that gap,” volunteer Brandon Lindsay said.

“Growing up as a young parent, I know the process of being in need both during the holidays and throughout the year,” said Yolanda Strickland, another volunteer.

As the giveaway approaches, the group is seeking last-minute donations and applications continue to pour in from families.

“This event is open to everyone. If you have a need or want to bless someone else, please come,” said Woodlawn Parks and Recreation Executive Director Paula Sherman.

For Hunter, it’s all about the joy it brings each year, and she says, “Seeing families arrive with big smiles on their faces brings joy to my heart, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

The Thanksgiving basket giveaway is scheduled for next Saturday, and the list of families needing help is growing. If you are interested in donating, Click here.