Thanksgiving in New Braunfels

New Braunfels shimmers and shines during the holidays, both in giving and in entertainment. If you’re looking for ways to help or new activities to try out this Thanksgiving, make sure to read this month’s blog!

Meal Planning and Help

Thanksgiving is a time for family, warm food, and sweet treats. However, providing the same amount of food costs more this year than it ever has. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index measured a 5.4 percent jump in September for food costs, specifically highlighting prices at grocery stores. Chocolate chip cookies are up 8.8 percent from 2020, while bacon and sugar are up more than 28 percent.

Thankfully, many local communities are ready to give back and help families in need host a wonderful Thanksgiving. Check out these three events below if you’re looking to help, donate, or require assistance.

1. Seeds of Love

Last year, Seeds of Love provided meals to 88 families with 16 delivery teams. They’re excited to do it again this year.

When: Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Where: New Braunfels Church of Christ 1665 S. Elliot Knox N.B.

How to Help: Purchase food items, deliver to the families, and/or donate money at: https://seedsofloveoutreach.com/donate

2. Locals Give Back

The fifth annual “locals give back” is a first-come, first-serve basis. They’re offering 500 turkeys and sides to help families in need.

When: Saturday, November 20th at 11:00 a.m.

Where: A Creative Learning Center 311 FM306 Bldg 2 Ste B N.B.

How to Help: For donations, questions, or volunteering, call Mercy at 830-312-9289

3. Jersey Mike’s Subs Holiday Fundraiser

Who doesn’t love Jersey Mike’s? This year, Jersey Mike’s Subs has agreed to donate 20 percent of restaurant sales from November 20 – 21st to the Central Texas Food Bank. Last year, they helped raise $30,000 to help provide nourishing meals for families in need.

When: November 20 – 21st

Where: Jersey Mike’s Subs, Central Texas

How to Help: Enjoy your favorite sandwich from Jersey Mike’s!

Activities for Thanksgiving Weekend (25 – 27)

After the big day, there’s still plenty to do around the town that’s fun for the whole family! Here are a few ideas for the weekend after Thanksgiving!

1. Texas Ski Ranch

Texas Ski Ranch recently installed a special turf snowboarding hill. No snow needed to start learning how to snowboard right here in the heart of Texas! This is an affordable way for the family to learn and brush up on skills before hitting the slopes this winter.

When: See website for open hours

Where: Texas Ski Ranch, 6700 N I-35

2. Shop and Support Small Businesses

Everyone knows about Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving where everyone lines the doorways of major corporations and trample each other for Tickle Me Elmo. But did you know about Small Business Saturday? The Saturday after Black Friday celebrates our neighbors who have the courage to run their own business and sell goods to their community. Most shops have discounts and deals for the day, so make sure to stop by a few of your favorites!

When: All day Saturday, November 27th

Where: All small businesses

3. Rock Out with Cadillac Drive

Cadillac Drive is a San Antonio-based variety cover band hosting a night of Classic Rock songs at the Phoenix Saloon. Spend the night rocking off that leftover turkey!

When: Saturday, November 27th, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: The Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio St N.B.

Meet the Family: Jeff Brennan

Jeff Brennan first heard about Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels through Woodforest Bank, where he works. He began as a volunteer for FPGNB “when the Day Center was still on Post Road” and is celebrating his third year as a Board Member. Woodforest Bank serves as one of FPGNB’s National Partners and helped develop the New Beginnings financial literacy series. “I began assisting our guests and graduates with financial literacy classes to help them prepare for the next steps in their journeys,” he says.

Jeff loves the opportunities that FPGNB provides to help our guests with a holistic approach toward transformation. He says, “New Braunfels is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The need for affordable housing and helping those experiencing homelessness will only continue to rise. I want to see Family Promise connect with our growing community and continue to share our message on how we are here to help with their support!”

When not assisting FPGNB, Jeff volunteers at several other Community Partners in San Antonio and enjoys reading and hiking.

Thank you, Jeff Brennan, for your work and dedication to FPGNB!

Trick or Treating Safety Tips

With Halloween right around the corner, kids are itching to spend the spooky night with friends. In a sweet treat across America, Dr. Anthony Fauci gave the green light for outdoor trick-or-treating this year.

A little pre-planning and precaution can keep everyone safe and smiling. Obviously, for younger children under 12, adult supervision is highly recommended. But if your child is ready to Trick or Treat with their friends, here are some tips to keep them safe.

1. Carry flashlights (Many hardware stores have mini-LED flashlights for around $2). Also, consider reflective tape or glowsticks.

2. Designate check-in times and updates via a phone call.

3. Only visit homes that are visited by others and have lights on.

4. Walk—don’t run—from house to house using sidewalks when possible.

5. Be aware of and avoid open flames like candles in jack-o’-lanterns.

6. Stay on streets that have other trick-or-treaters.

7. Advise your child to NOT eat any candy that has been opened in any way. Bonus points if you can get them to wait to eat anything until they get home so you have time to inspect it.

8. Remind them of your favorite candy so they save you a few.

9. Do not approach dogs you don’t know. Always ask the owner's permission before approaching dogs you do know.

10. Do not talk to anyone driving by in a car. Review this with them: If an adult needs help they should be asking another adult, not kids. They have permission if approached by someone in a car to yell “No!” and run in the opposite direction the car is facing, then contact their trusted adults immediately.

Halloween can be a ghoulishly good time but being safe during the festivities is important. Hopefully, these trick-or-treating safety tips set you up for a spectacular, spooky holiday.