Annual thanks & giving event

 Our mission is to make gratitude a movement — to serve, uplift, and celebrate our neighbors through a day of free food, fun, and fellowship that reminds us of the good we can do together. EVERYTHING at this event is free from the food, activities, gift cards and gift baskets that are raffled. And, WOW, just WOW ... a small seed planted is now going into its 6th year. Our goal is to continue on so that we are doing this for the next 20+ years!

If you've ever attended any of our Thanks & Giving Block parties then you know we cram a whole lot into 4 hours.  It was simply amazing to see businesses supporting its surrounding communities.  This year's event will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, come rain or shine. AND, similar to last year, we're looking to award some big checks -- scholarships -- also during the event.

We've got a lot going on ...

🍧Food Trucks & Raffle Tickets: Stop by the Registration booth to pick up your tickets for food trucks and gift basket raffles. No tickets are needed for pizza and refreshments – grab a bite and enjoy! 🍕🌮🍔🥗🍟

🎟️Raffle Baskets: Our prize booth have gift basket to win! Hold onto the bottom of your raffle ticket and drop the top portion into the box of your choice for a chance to win. We’ll be calling the raffle throughout. 🎁✨ Good luck! 🎟️🏆

💳Gift Cards: We will be giving gift cards out at the Registration Desk on a first-come, first-serve basis.  We have a limited supply and we’ll give it away until we run out.

📚 Fearless Giving Scholarship: Drum roll please … we’re awarding 2 beautiful, fearless young ladies $2,000 each from our Fearless Giving Scholarship program TODAY!. Learn more:  https://www.stjohnschurch.me/scholarship 

🎯 Games & Activities: We may do group games depending upon interest and time.  You can earn prizes redeemable at our Prize Booth by visiting all the booths to earn special jewels and coins or filling out our quiz/virtual scavenger hunt form.. 🪙🔍

✨ Get ready to be amazed! Yes, last year we had Eric the Magician take the stage.  Whether it's a magician or something else that we'll get going for the kiddos and kiddos at heart, just don't blink -- else you may miss it. ✨

🎨 Face Painter: For the young and young at heart! 🖌️💫 Please be patient if there’s a line.

🐾Petting Zoo: Please show kindness to our adorable baby animals – they’re super cute but might get a bit overwhelmed by all the attention! 🐰🐑 And don’t forget to swing by the photo booth and capture the fun – we can’t wait to see those smiles! 📸😁🐾

💛 Free to Good Home Booth: Clothes, plants, shoes, and more — First come first serve.   Super successful last year.  We came away with absolutely NOTHING left.  And, that's what we endeavor to do again this year.  Our focus this year will be on trying to get gently used shoes and professional clothing available.  All free and shared with love...pass it on!

We're only able to continue to do this given the financial contributions from a donor family.  If you'd like to help for future events and  see your donation in action, you can donate funds please scroll down to the Donate Now section of this page. We also accept checks made out to St. John's Lutheran Church.  If you prefer to donate an item for our gift baskets or sponsor a gift basket, please contact Ernadel Sioson at emsioson@bellsouth.net.  Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!