St. Louis Restaurants Rally for a Heartfelt Countdown to Thanksgiving

A Community United for a Cause

In the heart of St. Louis, a remarkable initiative called Countdown to Thanksgiving is bringing local restaurants and their patrons together for a noble cause. Spearheaded by Lee's Famous Recipe® Chicken in collaboration with Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill, this food collection drive is a beacon of hope for families facing food insecurity. From now until November 21, people can drop off non-perishable food items at any of the 15 Lee's and 9 Hotshots locations across the St. Louis region. These contributions are set to support Operation Food Search, a dedicated nonprofit fighting hunger and improving access to nutritious food in the community.

Those who donate are not just giving back to their community; they're also getting a little thank you in return. Each donor receives a complimentary Coca-Cola beverage, and they're entered into a draw for $100 gift cards from Lee's and Hotshots, as well as tickets to four home game hockey matches. This generous offer is made possible through the support of Coca-Cola and 101 ESPN Radio, highlighting the power of collaboration in uplifting the community.

More Than Just a Meal

The initiative doesn't stop at collecting food. Lee's Famous Recipe® Chicken has long been a proponent of giving back, inspired by their ongoing partnership with GiftAMeal. This program turns dining experiences into opportunities for generosity, where guests can scan a QR code inside Lee's restaurants or on select packaging. By simply taking a photo of their meal, they trigger a donation of groceries to a nearby food bank. Sharing this photo on social media magnifies the impact, helping to provide even more meals to those in need.

GiftAMeal's innovative approach to fighting food insecurity allows St. Louis residents, and indeed Lee's guests nationwide, to contribute to local food banks all year round. Every meal enjoyed at Lee's has the potential to support families struggling to put food on the table, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond seasonal efforts.

Joining Hands for a Heartier Thanksgiving

Lee's Famous Recipe® Chicken, with its long history of serving fresh, never frozen chicken for nearly 60 years, has always been more than just a place to enjoy a good meal. It's a brand that stands for community, care, and comfort. Their efforts, recognized through awards like the top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award, go beyond accolades. They're about making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them. Similarly, Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill's participation in this initiative underscores their commitment to the community they serve.

As we near Thanksgiving, the efforts of these establishments, along with their partners, remind us of the power of community and the impact of collective action. It's a call to all of us to contribute in whatever way we can, to ensure that every family in St. Louis can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a Thanksgiving meal. Whether through a donation at a local hotspot or by participating in the GiftAMeal program, every little bit helps in making a big difference.

For more information on how to participate or to learn more about the invaluable work being done by Operation Food Search, visit their website. Let's make this Thanksgiving a season of giving, community, and hope for all families in St. Louis.