SANTA MONICA, CA — A Thanksgiving gathering that began with just 38 students in a backyard has grown into a Santa Monica College tradition expected to bring together more than 2,500 people this holiday season.
The Santa Monica College Foundation will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its "Giving Thanks (giving)" initiative Nov. 23-24, transforming the college's main campus quad into a festive gathering space while raising money to help students struggling with food insecurity and financial hardship.
The two-day celebration will feature free, chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals, live entertainment, games, wellness activities and giveaways. Students will also receive $25 Albertsons grocery gift cards, with winter coats available to those in need.
The foundation has set a $250,000 fundraising goal to support the event and its year-round student assistance programs.
"'Giving Thanks (giving)' is about so much more than a holiday meal. It's about making sure our students feel supported, valued, and connected to a community that believes in their potential," said Lizzy Moore, foundation president and event co-founder.
Since its beginnings in 2017, the initiative has served nearly 10,000 people, according to the foundation.
The celebration comes as more students struggle to afford basic necessities. Visits to SMC's on-campus food pantry, the Bodega, have increased 20% since September 2025, according to the foundation's official website.
More than 70% of the college's approximately 26,000 students come from low-income households, the foundation said, while more than half are the first in their families to attend college.
Donations also support SMC's Basic Needs Program and Emergency Grant Fund, which provide groceries, clothing, hygiene supplies and emergency financial assistance throughout the year.
The foundation is seeking 1,500 new and gently used winter coats and jackets to help students stay warm during the colder months. Residents can drop off donations Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Compass Realty, 2115 Main St. in Santa Monica.
The Thanksgiving celebration will take place Nov. 23 and 24, with meal seatings from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. each day. Attendance is limited to SMC students and employees who registered by the Nov. 10 deadline.
Community members can donate online or find information about volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact the Santa Monica College Foundation at 310-434-4215 or foundation@smc.edu.
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