OurVeteransFirst Marks Third Year of Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway for Veterans

For many families, Thanksgiving is about gathering around a table and sharing a meal. For some veterans in Southwest Missouri, that meal might not be possible without a little help. OurVeteransFirst, a nonprofit based in Joplin, is making sure those who served do not go without during the holiday season.

This November will mark the third year of the organization’s Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway. The program started in 2023 with just 11 baskets. By 2024, it had grown to 36. This year, the team expects to double that number.

“Our mission is to make sure these men and women aren’t forgotten,” said Executive Director Michelle Lee. “We want them to know their community cares.”

The idea for the basket program originated as a way to help veterans who requested assistance during the year. Many were struggling financially or lacked family support. Michelle said the team recognized Thanksgiving could be especially hard and wanted to step in.

Each basket provides a complete holiday dinner. Butterball donates turkeys, and Cash Saver in Joplin supplies the rest at wholesale prices. Volunteers pack the meals into large laundry baskets filled with turkey, potatoes, the makings of a green bean casserole, rolls, vegetables, stuffing, gravy and a pie.

If there is money left over, the group includes a food gift certificate for families to purchase extras.

The program is made possible through a $2,500 donation from Bobcat of Huntsville, Alabama.  

“That donation is very generous,” Michelle said. “It allows us to plan and gives us the stability to grow.”

Volunteers also play a major role. Members of the OurVeteransFirst board, along with community members, help sort, pack and deliver baskets. Last year, they delivered to Carthage, Neosho and Anderson, as well as into Newton and McDonald counties.  

Michelle said expanding into nearby communities is important because many veterans live in rural areas without easy access to transportation, and the program makes sure they are not left out.

“We spend a couple of hours putting everything together,” she said. “Then we divide and conquer. Volunteers pair up, load baskets into vehicles and deliver them.”

Approximately 90% of baskets are delivered to homes, as many veterans lack transportation. Michelle said the personal visits give volunteers a chance to connect with veterans and check on other needs.

The baskets provide more than a meal. They are also a way to link veterans with resources. Michelle recalls one delivery last year that made a lasting impact.

“There was a gentleman who said he hadn’t eaten in several days,” she said. “He felt very alone and didn’t know who to call. We were able not only to give him the basket but also to connect him with resources so that this wouldn’t happen again. We don’t want anyone to go hungry, especially one of our veterans.”

The baskets also send a message of dignity and respect. Veterans are contacted ahead of time to ensure they want the basket and to schedule a convenient drop-off or pick-up.  

While the Thanksgiving program is one of its most visible efforts, OurVeteransFirst works year-round to keep veterans from falling into homelessness. Michelle founded the group in 2019, following her experience as a probation officer with the Veterans Treatment Court. The nonprofit was created to fill gaps in local services.  

“I felt like this was something the Joplin area could do better,” she said. “I contacted the VA and other local organizations, and that’s how OurVeteransFirst was born.”

Today, it offers backpacks containing hygiene items, food boxes and trauma-based therapy services. The group also connects veterans with job training and education opportunities.  

Michelle said the focus is always on supporting veterans who are ready to move forward.  

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure these men and women aren’t out on the street.”

Partnerships with the VA clinics in Joplin, Missouri, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, as well as Economic Security and other community organizations, enable the group to quickly reach veterans when their needs arise.

The demand for services is growing, even as volunteer numbers and donations have become harder to secure since the pandemic. Michelle said it can be discouraging, but she is encouraged by the community’s willingness to support veterans once they learn about the programs.

“We know we’re not seeing a reduction in the number of suicides among veterans in our area,” she said. “That is very disheartening. So, we are working with other agencies to figure out what else we can do.

“It excites me to see how far this program has reached. Every year, the word gets out a little more, and every year, we are able to make a bigger impact.”

OurVeteransFirst currently welcomes monetary gifts. Contributions can be made through Southwest Missouri Bank or on the group’s website.  

Anyone interested in helping can contact the office at 417.691.7087, message the group on Facebook or attend a monthly meeting, which is open to the public.

Michelle said she is proud of the board and volunteers who keep the mission moving forward.

“They put the mission above personal agendas. They love veterans and want the best for them.

“Our veterans have given so much. The least we can do is make sure they feel supported and cared for during the holidays.”

‍