ALTON - Alton High School students are collecting food to bring Thanksgiving dinner directly to senior citizens at Marian Heights, an independent senior apartment community in Alton, Illinois.
The school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter is accepting donations through Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, to prepare and deliver individual meals for residents who may have difficulty preparing a traditional holiday dinner themselves.
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“Our goal with this food drive is to ensure that none of our senior neighbors feel forgotten this Thanksgiving,” said Carter Stahl, an Alton High School senior and FCCLA president. “The holidays can be a lonely or financially difficult time for many older adults in our community, especially those who are no longer able to cook a traditional holiday meal for themselves.”
Chapter members will use the donations to assemble single-serving Thanksgiving dinners and deliver them directly to residents.
“By packing and delivering individual Thanksgiving dinners directly to the residents at Marian Heights, we hope to bring them comfort, connection, and a warm holiday experience,” Stahl said.
The chapter is seeking donations from community members, students, staff and local businesses. Requested items include green beans, canned corn, creamed corn, mini marshmallows, brown sugar, brownie mix, Jiffy cornmeal, boxed stuffing mix and cream of mushroom soup.
Monetary donations also are welcome and will help the chapter purchase additional fresh ingredients and packaging supplies.
“We are asking our generous community to join us in making this project a success,” Stahl said.
Food donations can be dropped off at Alton High School, 4200 Humbert Road, Alton, Illinois. Donations should be marked “Attention: Kelsie Davison/FCCLA.”
