For the last two years, G.W.A.P. has hosted a Turkey Drive to help feed the community in honor of Ms. Traci - a community figure at Garfield Community Center who passed away just before the pandemic began. The drive builds on Ms. Traci’s passion for supporting the community and continues a tradition she started many years ago.

One figure who was present throughout those drives was D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Pickett, who was tragically murdered last month, played a key role in the success of the drives. He also owned The Postman with his wife Keanna. This year, the event will honor both Ms. Traci and D’Vonne, letting their legacy shine through community support. Gerael Patterson, one of the organizers, says being able to honor them means everything.

“He was with us from the beginning, and was slated to be with us this year,” Gerael Patterson said. “We chose to honor our brother and put his name on the giveaway this year alongside Ms. Traci’s. It was the right thing to do to honor his legacy and the wonderful contributions made all around the community.”

Patterson said the inspiration D’Vonne provided in both his life and the lives of countless others will not be forgotten.

“It means a great deal to be able to carry on his legacy,” Patterson said. “He was the absolute best of all of us. We're gonna do everything in our power to make sure that not only he' is honored, but also that we continue to build on what he set out for.“

The event on November 19th will provide over 300 thanksgiving meals to families on a first-come first-serve basis. Following the giveaway, a hot meal will be served as well to all who are interested.

“Just to give that support to people who need it is really important to us. We all grew up in the Central Area, I'm a lifelong resident,” Patterson said. “it means a lot for me to be able to be a positive force in our community.” at one point in time, you know, I come from where my family knew this at one point in time, so be able to provide that void in the community. It means a great deal to me especially be in the community,

This year, G.W.A.P. has new partners as well, including Tre Simmons, The Emergency Feeding Project King County and World Vision as well as local vendors and catering companies helping to provide the meals. This expansion has been huge for the organization as they look to expand their community impact.

“it's really a collective community, and we’re just trying to set the table and expand on the great legacy that Ms. Traci set forth,” Patterson said. “It’s awesome to see the community coming together to serve back to the community. The message that we want to echo is that we're all inclusive. It's going to take all of us, not just the best of us, but absolutely all of us to not only heal, but to hold each other down and to build forward.”

If you’re interested in picking up a meal or attending the dinner, you can head to the Garfield Community Center at 2 pm on November 19th. The hot meal begins at 3:30.

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