Like many giving yinzers, John Arlet and his army of good deeders prioritize providing Thanksgiving dinner to families throughout the Pittsburgh area… ¾ houses that is. In its sixth year, the program is designed to collect everything from Thanksgiving staples like yams, cranberries and turkey (from Kuhn’s Market in Bellevue), to desserts like cookies, pies and whipped cream. As a recovering addict who is eight years clean, Arlet finds it helpful to provide all the contents to be dropped off at the homes the week of the holiday, so that the family members can make the meal on Thanksgiving Day.
“Making Thanksgiving dinner is a cathartic activity on a day designed for making memories with those you love and trust,” Arlet said. “The process of creating the meal also keeps the recipients occupied, which helps with recovery.”
Arlet started this venture through his church six years ago with some necessary items and has grown it to provide for about 110 families and growing beyond the 412. In fact, during last year’s pandemic shut down, Arlet saw record dollar donations and raised about $6,000 to purchase meals.
How does it work? Monetary donations can be made using this link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/350720376740053/ or checks can be made to 3/4 house Thanksgiving and sent to 4030 Franklin Road, Pittsburgh, PA. 15214.
John and his team of volunteers start shopping around the third week of November to prepare for the packing and distributing dates slated for November 21,22, and 23 from 4 pm –8pm this year at John’s church in Bellevue: 28 N Howard Ave. Pittsburgh, PA, 15202.
The jagoff team will donate again and partake in the packing and delivery fun. Will we see you this year?
