Thanksgiving Sponsor a Family: how to apply or donate

Thanksgiving is almost here, and this year I'll Pack A Lunch is helping one local family sit down to a meal that feels like a real celebration.

There are two ways to take part — and they're not the same thing. One is for families who need the help. One is for people who want to give. Here's the clear version.

Apply vs Donate (pick the right door)

| | Apply | Donate | |---|---|---| | Who it's for | A family who could use Thanksgiving help | Anyone who wants to support | | What you do | Fill out a short application | Give by e-Transfer or card | | Deadline | Fri Oct 9 | Sun Oct 11 | | Family chosen | Fri Oct 9 | — | | Where | Sponsor a Family | Donate |

On the Home page you'll also see Apply and Donate side by side — same two doors, right up front.

If your family needs help: Apply

We're choosing one family this Thanksgiving. The gift is a homemade Thanksgiving turkey dinner, and it's delivery only — no pickup.

What's on the menu (all homemade):

• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Caesar salad with bacon
• Glazed carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Pie with vanilla ice cream

We cook it all and bring it right to your door.

We built the application the way a food bank would — warm, plain questions about your household. No fancy forms. Just enough so we can understand who we can help.

Here's what to know:

1. Go to illpackalunch.com/sponsor-a-family.
2. Apply by Fri Oct 9.
3. Tell us a bit about your household and what would help.
4. Applying does not guarantee selection. We'll choose the family on Friday, Oct 9, and contact the family we select.

If you want to give: Donate

Your gift helps cook that one family's homemade Thanksgiving dinner. Any amount helps. Donate by Sunday, October 11.

e-Transfer

• Send to illpackalunch@gmail.com
• Memo: Thanksgiving family
• Autodeposit is on — no security question needed

Card (guest checkout)

• Open illpackalunch.com/donate
• Enter any custom amount from $1 up
• No account required — pay as a guest

I'll Pack A Lunch is a registered nonprofit. Nonprofit Registration #: 1001476118.

Quick FAQ

Can I both apply and donate? Yes — they're separate. Apply if your family could use the dinner; donate if you want to support.

Is applying a guarantee? No. We're sponsoring one family. We'll choose the family on Friday, Oct 9, and be in touch with the household we select.

What's in the dinner? A homemade Thanksgiving turkey dinner: turkey, stuffing, gravy, Caesar salad with bacon, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, and pie with vanilla ice cream.

Do you deliver the dinner? Yes. Delivery only for the selected family.

Is there a minimum donation? Card donations start at $1. e-Transfer: any amount that helps.

Do I need an account to donate by card? No. Guest checkout is open on the Donate page.

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Ready to help — or ask for help?

👉 Apply for the Thanksgiving dinner — apply by Fri Oct 9 (we'll choose the family on Friday)

👉 Donate to Sponsor a Family — by Sun Oct 11

👉 I'll Pack A Lunch Home — Apply | Donate side by side

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