Rivers Casino Portsmouth Hosts Thanksgiving Meal Drive to Aid Local Families
Supporting the Community Through Holiday Meal Distribution
This week, Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Hampton Roads, Virginia, launched a generous Thanksgiving meal giveaway aimed at helping hundreds of families in need. Led by Portsmouth City councilman Vernon L. Tillage Jr., the initiative provided full holiday dinners to approximately 500 households experiencing financial hardships. This charitable gesture not only helped those in need but also reinforced Rivers Casino’s role as a key community contributor.
Helping Those Facing Food Insecurity
By mid-morning, cars lined up steadily outside the distribution point. Casino employees and volunteers worked together to pack bags containing turkeys, macaroni and cheese, peas, stuffing, and cornbread mix into the vehicles of arriving families. For many recipients, these groceries offered more than just a meal—they provided relief from ongoing financial worries.
Councilman Tillage explained that the drive focused on supporting the most vulnerable, including individuals impacted by the federal government shutdown. This group included breast cancer survivors managing treatment expenses and others under significant financial strain.
“I have had numerous families call in the past two weeks saying they have run out of paychecks,” said Vernon L. Tillage Jr., Portsmouth City councilman.
Participants were asked to preregister and share information regarding their economic challenges. Many families found themselves unprepared for the extended uncertainty, with government employees and contractors especially affected, facing weeks without any income.
Economic Impact Tied to Federal Workforce Vulnerabilities
Portsmouth and nearby Norfolk are vital centers for the region’s military and federal employment. Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, significantly drives the local economy by employing tens of thousands. The area includes about 145,000 active-duty military and federal civilian workers, meaning any federal shutdown produces immediate and widespread effects.
The Thanksgiving meal giveaway was made possible largely through the efforts of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Rivers Casino Portsmouth funded the initiative by contributing approximately $7,500 to cover the cost of providing 500 full Thanksgiving dinner packages. This community-focused program embodies the spirit of mutual care and hopes to persist beyond the current federal difficulties.
Recent Milestone for Casino Employees
This charitable event coincided with another significant achievement for Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Earlier in the month, casino staff became the first in Virginia to approve a union contract, with 95% of members voting to join Teamsters Local 822. This milestone secured new wage agreements, enhanced benefits, and stronger workplace protections for the employees.
