As food prices continue to soar, many families have turned to local non-profit organizations for assistance with covering their Thanksgiving meal. Children & Families First was prepared to answer the call thanks to a generous donation from local business leader and philanthropist, Marcus T. Johnson.

Johnson, a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his life and work to enhancing the lives of under-served populations, donated 400 gift checks valued at $50 each to low-income families enrolled in Children & Families First’s Family Success Center, Head Start, and Nurse-Family Partnership programs. The gift checks, which can be used at several local retailers, will allow families to purchase Thanksgiving staples without the financial burden.

“Marcus is a giver. He was raised that way,” said Denise Griffin, a project manager at M. Johnson, LLC, Johnson’s organization that is dedicated to shrinking the opportunity gap.

Johnson’s original plan was to distribute 400 turkeys, but after realizing the far-reaching impact of this year’s turkey shortage, he and his team had to quickly find a workaround. That’s when Griffin learned about the Butterball gift check program.

“We felt like this was an even better plan because of its use for food all around,” she said.

With few purchase limitations, the gift checks were also an ideal choice for Children & Families First’s immigrant and refugee recipients who may desire less traditional Thanksgiving menu options.

“As an organization, our work revolves around making the lives of children and their families better, and sometimes that means simply providing access to something as basic as a meal” said Maria Layne-Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of Children & Families First. “Not only has Mr. Johnson provided 400 of our families with a meal this Thanksgiving, but he has eased a burden that we hope will allow them to truly enjoy it with all who will surround them tomorrow. For that, we are deeply appreciative.”