TULSA, Okla. — Christian Ministers Alliance started helping the less fortunate in Green Country 40 years ago.
This year, officials said they need more help.
The organization gives away 4,000 Thanksgiving baskets to students and families at school districts like Tulsa Public Schools, Union, Broken Arrow, and Owasso.
However, Reverend W.R. Casey told 2 News that isn't possible without donations.
“We need about 3,000 and Walmart is holding 300 for us right now, so we need a lot,” Rev. Casey said.
Within that basket, Christian Ministers Alliance is asking for:
- Turkeys
- Hams
- Sweet Potatoes
- Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Corn
- Stuffing
“We believe in God for the donations, but we need them," Casey said.
2 News wanted to find out why people aren’t donating as much as they have in previous years. We found the leading cause is cost.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahomans' average cost of groceries is almost $300 a month, one of the nation's highest.
2 News spoke with Scott Carter, the Economics Chair at the University of Tulsa, about this high cost. He said the state inflation rate is 1.7%, lower than the national inflation average of 2.4%; But it still hits people’s wallets.
Carter says other factors are impacting people’s decision to give a little more to those who are less fortunate.
“A place to live. I think that certainly has an effect on having to choose your expenditures. 'Do I pay my rent, or do I feed my kids?' Unfortunately, many people are there. Or 'do I have a big enough Thanksgiving' or 'do I give to my neighbor or the less fortunate?',” Carter said.
Carter said you will see price discrimination on items like turkey and hams during the holiday because businesses know consumers need them.
“Price discrimination, you’re able to charge different prices given different market situations, and one situation will be the onset of the holidays. We want to get our turkeys before Thanksgiving not after,” Carter said.
The TU professor also said Thanksgiving meals should be around the same price as last year, about $60 for ten people.
Casey started this project, and every year, Oklahomans step up to ensure that those who can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal have one. “It (donations) means a lot. I’m grateful.”
The Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway is on November 22, 2024, at 6 p.m. at McLain High School.
To donate, call Rev. Casey at (918) 902-1374. The organization is accepting donations up to the giveaway on November 22.
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