Indianapolis, November 25, 2025
The Mozel Sanders Foundation is set to serve over 15,000 hot meals on Thanksgiving Day, continuing its 50-year legacy of helping underserved communities in Central Indiana. With a goal of enlisting 800 volunteers, the foundation urges the community to rally behind this initiative to combat food insecurity. Fundraising efforts have already raised over $14,000, showing strong community support for the event. Meals will be distributed across multiple locations in Indianapolis, ensuring everyone in need can enjoy a warm meal without any questions asked.
Indianapolis Foundation Aims to Serve 15,000 Meals this Thanksgiving
Mozel Sanders Foundation’s “Feed the Hungry” event seeks expanded community support
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Mozel Sanders Foundation is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving Day tradition, with an ambitious goal to serve over 15,000 hot meals to those in need this year. As it continues its 50-year legacy of providing free meals to underserved communities in Central Indiana, the foundation is calling on the community to rally together in support of this crucial initiative.
Local entrepreneurs and community leaders have long recognized the importance of support systems for those in need. This event serves not only as a lifeline for the hungry but also as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Indianapolis, showcasing how private efforts can step in to fill critical gaps without the burden of excessive regulation. With increasing costs and demand for support, the role of community events like “Feed the Hungry” becomes ever more vital to fostering resilient neighborhoods.
Volunteer Participation
To achieve this year’s goal, the foundation is seeking an impressive 800 volunteers, up from just 300 last year. This surge in volunteerism reflects the community’s growing commitment to tackling food insecurity. Volunteers will play essential roles ranging from cooking and preparing meals to delivering them to individuals unable to attend in person.
This event also provides a great opportunity for individuals of all ages to get involved, as younger participants can create artwork for recipients and engage in community-building activities, fostering a sense of generosity and teamwork within the Indianapolis community.
Community Support and Fundraising
Community support is key to the success of the “Feed the Hungry” event. This year, in a boost to fundraising efforts, a notable competition named “A Toast to Mozel Sanders” was held by Radio One Indianapolis, raising $14,130 for the foundation. This amount exceeded the initial goal of $10,000, showing not just a financial commitment but also a unified front against food insecurity. The funds are directed towards providing meals for the thousands expected on Thanksgiving Day.
Meal Distribution Locations
On Thanksgiving, meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at multiple locations throughout Indianapolis. The sites include Augusta Church, Christ Community Church, Fall Creek Church, and several others. The foundation emphasizes that these meals are available to anyone in need, ensuring that no questions are asked, and that all are welcome to enjoy a warm meal regardless of their circumstances.
How to Get Involved
Background
Founded in 1959 by Reverend Dr. Mozel Sanders, the foundation has served as a cornerstone for providing essential support and empowerment to the youth and adults in Central Indiana. Over these five decades, the annual Thanksgiving Day dinner has transformed from serving a small congregation to helping thousands every year, showcasing the community’s unified commitment to support its most vulnerable members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Mozel Sanders Foundation’s goal for Thanksgiving 2025?
The foundation aims to serve over 10,000 hot meals to those in need on Thanksgiving Day, continuing its 50-year tradition of providing free meals to the underserved in Central Indiana. This year, the foundation has expanded its efforts, aiming to feed 15,000 individuals through its annual “Feed the Hungry” event.
How can I volunteer for the “Feed the Hungry” event?
To achieve this ambitious goal, the foundation is seeking 800 volunteers, a significant increase from the 300 volunteers involved last year. Volunteers will assist in meal preparation, delivery, and distribution across various locations, including Ivy Tech Culinary Center, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, and Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. The event offers opportunities for individuals of all ages to contribute, with roles ranging from cooking and preparing food to delivering meals to those unable to attend in person. Younger participants can engage by creating artwork for recipients and participating in community activities.
How can I donate to the Mozel Sanders Foundation?
Individuals interested in donating can visit the Mozel Sanders Foundation’s official website for more information. Donations can be made through various channels, including text, mail, PayPal, CashApp, and Amazon Smile. The foundation encourages community members to participate in any way they can to help make this Thanksgiving a memorable and fulfilling day for all.
Where will the Thanksgiving meals be distributed?
On Thanksgiving Day, meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at several locations throughout Indianapolis. These sites include Augusta Church, Christ Community Church, Fall Creek Church, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Friendship Baptist Church, Greater St. James, Jesus House, Kingsley Terrace, Mt. Olive, Mt. Vernon Community Missionary Baptist Church, Resurrection Church, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, and Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. The foundation emphasizes that meals are available to anyone in need, with no questions asked.
How can I get involved with the Mozel Sanders Foundation?
Individuals interested in volunteering or donating can visit the Mozel Sanders Foundation’s official website for more information. The foundation encourages community members to participate in any way they can to help make this Thanksgiving a memorable and fulfilling day for all.
Key Features of the Mozel Sanders Foundation’s Thanksgiving Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meal Service Goal | Over 10,000 hot meals to those in need on Thanksgiving Day, aiming to feed 15,000 individuals through the “Feed the Hungry” event. |
| Volunteer Requirement | Seeking 800 volunteers to assist in meal preparation, delivery, and distribution across various locations. |
| Fundraising Success | Raised $14,130 through “A Toast to Mozel Sanders” event, surpassing the initial goal of $10,000. |
| Meal Distribution Locations | Meals available on a first-come, first-served basis at multiple sites throughout Indianapolis, including Augusta Church, Christ Community Church, and others. |
| How to Get Involved | Individuals can volunteer or donate through the foundation’s official website, with various channels available for contributions. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Essential Kitchen Tools for a Perfect Thanksgiving in Indianapolis
Mozel Sanders Foundation to Serve Over 10,000 Meals This Thanksgiving
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
