LA VERGNE, Tenn. – The City of La Vergne’s second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive-Thru drew an extraordinary level of community support, allowing volunteers to serve nearly four times the number of families helped last year.

The inaugural event in 2024 provided holiday food for 25 families. This year’s goal was to double that number. Instead, the community exceeded every expectation, contributing enough donations to prepare Thanksgiving food packages for 98 La Vergne families.

“Seeing our Thanksgiving Food Drive-Thru event nearly quadruple in size this year was deeply humbling and profoundly moving,” said Amber Hakanson of the La Vergne Police Department. “The outpouring of support from volunteers, partners, and our community made it possible for us to serve more families than ever before, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make that happen.”

Coordinated by Hakanson and the city’s Christmas Committee, the drive-thru is part of La Vergne’s expanding involvement in National Faith & Blue Weekend. The nationwide initiative encourages collaboration and trust-building between law enforcement and residents through service and community events. And while the La Vergne Thanksgiving Drive-Thru event was not based on need — the only requirement was that those registering be La Vergne residents — food distributions help strengthen those connections in meaningful, tangible ways.

“Events like this are central to the Police Department’s continuing focus on community engagement,” said Police Chief Christopher Moews. “Community engagement is essential to who we are as a department. When we serve as partners and neighbors, both on and off duty, we build the trust that helps us better support our community.”

Though Faith & Blue events are typically held by police departments, the La Vergne Drive-Thru is a true community effort, with volunteers from across city departments, including Fire, Parks and Recreation, Administration, and even the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, coming together to support the event.

Alderman Carol Haas, who volunteered during both last year’s and this year’s event, reflected on the scope of this year’s effort and noted the response demonstrates how strongly La Vergne rallies around families in need.

“It’s phenomenal,” Haas said. “The donations from the community and the outreach of the community for families in need is just phenomenal.”

Each family who preregistered online received a curated selection of non-perishable foods, including canned vegetables and meats, cereals, pantry staples, and other items designed to help stretch holiday meals. Many participants expressed relief that the packages would help offset grocery costs during the holiday week.

For resident Ashley Gardner, a mother of five, the support came at exactly the right time. “It is going to be a huge help for my family,” she said. “We are also having a medical procedure done for my son this coming week, so this is amazing to not have to worry about food or what we’re doing for Thanksgiving. It’s just a true blessing. We’re really grateful that we’re able to have this opportunity and that the city is willing to support citizens like this.”

This year’s success was made possible by the generosity of residents, businesses, and partner organizations. The city extends special thanks to BJ’s Wholesale Club, which helped kick off the collection effort by hosting a weekend donation event, as well as the many organizations and individuals who contributed time, food, funds, and support, including:

• Trinidad Benham, which provided enough paper goods for each family, including parchment paper, baking cups, reusable shopping bags, and additional pantry items.
• Grace Church Assembly of God
• Ascend Federal Credit Union
• UPS
• Private citizens
• Other businesses

“As we look toward next year, my hope is to continue to grow and reach even more families, build more partnerships, and ensure that no one in our community goes without a meal or a reminder that they are seen and supported,” said Hakanson. “With the continued generosity of this community, I know we can make an even greater impact together.”