Santa Barbara Dojo martial arts school in Santa Barbara will hold its 13th Annual Basket Brigade, 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at 122 E. Gutierrez St.
The Basket Brigade event will feature a team of volunteers who will gather to assemble and distribute the Thanksgiving baskets. Each basket will contain all the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for a family of five.
The Basket Brigade originated in Gig Harbor, Washington, in 1993, when a few compassionate residents put together baskets full of Thanksgiving dinner groceries for a handful of less-fortunate families in their community. The idea has since become a nationwide movement, feeding thousands of families every year.
“This year, Santa Barbara Dojo is committed to making an even greater impact and reaching more families who are facing hardships,” said Master Wilfred Austin Curtis, owner and head instructor at Santa Barara Dojo.
“With the support of our generous Dojo community, we aim to surpass last year’s goal and distribute over 250 baskets to those in need,” he said. “Since its inception, our staff and students have fed over 10,000 people in Santa Barbara through the Basket Brigade.”
The Adopt-a-Family program was introduced to Santa Barbara in 2010 by Santa Barbara Dojo (formerly Martial Arts Family Fitness). The Dojo’s first event provided food for 75 local families who were affected by the economic crash in 2009.
The next year they continued the tradition and fed 100 families. Even through Covid-19, the students showed up every year both financially and physically to meet the needs of the community.
“We host the Basket Brigade event every year because it aligns with our mission to strengthening families in the Santa Barbara community,” said Master Melodee Meyer, co-owner of Santa Barbara Dojo and the originator of the Basket Brigade at Santa Barbara Dojo.
“Our goal is to bring joy and support to those who need it the most during Thanksgiving,” Meyer said. “We invite everyone to join us on November 18th and make a difference in someone’s life.”
Santa Barbara Dojo thanks its sponsors and supporters, including local businesses, community organizations, and individuals who have contributed to the Annual Basket Brigade.
A small donation can go a long way, and $75 feeds a family of five. People interested in donating can visit www.SantaBarbaraDojo.com.