This year’s theme: “Gratitude in Action”

This past Saturday, November 23rd, the ECDC Houston Multicultural Center (HMC) hosted an unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration at the Southwest Multi-Service Center. To ensure a truly special Thanksgiving for newcomer families, the HMC team and volunteers distributed groceries and clothing to over 500 refugees and immigrants from around the world.

The event embodied ECDC HMC’s commitment to welcoming new neighbors from all corners of the globe. It was a day where gratitude and community transcended language and background, creating a shared space of warmth and togetherness. Families, volunteers, and supporters joined forces to create a festive atmosphere that celebrated the diversity and unity of our community.

This gathering would not have been possible without the generous contributions from our sponsors. We are deeply grateful to U.S. Gulf Coast, Phoenicia Specialty Foods, Central Market, Trader Joe’s, H-E-B, and other donors whose gifts of food and clothing filled shopping bags—and hearts. These essential items allowed our clients to craft their own Thanksgiving traditions, blending cultures and cuisines to celebrate the season of gratitude.

A huge thank you to Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill and Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet for nourishing our staff and volunteers with flavorful meals. Your generosity was a testament to the spirit of hospitality that unites us all, no matter where we come from.

Our community partners, ABB Care Transport, On-Time Care, and Civic Heart ensured that transportation was available, making it possible for everyone to join us in this celebration of connection.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Houston for opening the doors of the Southwest Multi-Service Center—a welcoming venue that became a hub of joy and fellowship for the day.

This event was more than just a distribution of food and supplies. It was about embracing our new neighbors, showing them that they are seen, valued, and welcome. Watching families leave with bags full of essentials and smiles full of hope reminded us of why we do this work—because building community means creating a place where everyone belongs.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, and partner who helped make this day extraordinary. Your compassion brought hope to hundreds of families, setting the stage for new beginnings. At HMC, we remain dedicated to supporting our diverse and vibrant community year-round. Together, we can continue to uplift each other and turn every act of kindness into a step toward a brighter future.

From all of us at HMC, Happy Thanksgiving! We are honored to welcome you, our new neighbors, to a community that embraces diversity and celebrates unity.

If you would like to support future events or learn more about our work, please visit ecdchmc.org or email us at info@ecdchmc.org.