Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) needs 1,200 frozen turkeys and hams by Dec. 12 to feed local families through its 15th annual Turkey for Every Table campaign.

The nonprofit's food pantry at 3506 Porter Road, Suite F, in Katy is accepting donations Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the campaign page. Beyond turkeys and hams, KCM is collecting holiday side dishes: stuffing mixes, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, canned corn, macaroni and cheese and cake mixes.

Residents who prefer to give money can donate online or drop off grocery gift cards from H-E-B, Kroger or Walmart. KCM uses those funds to buy additional turkeys and hams as needed, My Neighborhood News reported.

The campaign serves families already using KCM's food pantry, including veterans.

The drive comes as food demand in the Katy area has surged. Heather Peterson, KCM's director of development and strategic partnerships, told Community Impact in July that the local need for food had doubled within nine months. KCM expanded its pantry into a 13,000-square-foot facility called the Katy Food Center, which includes a drive-thru that was seeing 130 to 150 cars each morning as of July.

The need is real. At KCM's Harvest of Hope luncheon on Oct. 8, Sharon Zachary, CEO of the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries (ACAM), said economically disadvantaged students in Katy ISD had grown by 43 percent. Since 2015, KCM has served 133,000 people in 48,000 families, investing more than $7 million in the community, Zachary said, according to the Katy Times.

Executive Director Kyle Strickland spoke at the same luncheon about the community's role in sustaining the nonprofit. "Katy is a community that refuses to let anyone carry their burdens alone … Your support gives life and momentum to our mission," Strickland said at the event.

Neighborhood groups, scout troops, school organizations and businesses can organize their own collection drives to contribute toward the 1,200-turkey goal. Frozen turkeys and hams should be kept properly frozen until drop-off.

The Dec. 12 deadline falls on a Saturday, outside the pantry's regular Monday-through-Thursday receiving hours. Residents planning to donate near the deadline should contact KCM at (281) 391-4504 to confirm arrangements.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Turkey for Every Table donations: Through Dec. 12, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., KCM Food Pantry, 3506 Porter Road, Suite F, Katy
  • Online donations: ktcm.org/turkey