Submitted by YMCA of Snohomish County
In a powerful expression of community care, the YMCA of Snohomish County and Tapped Public House are partnering together to provide 3,600 fully-prepared Thanksgiving meals for local families. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a community tradition grounded in shared purpose, addressing food insecurity and fostering connection during the holiday season.
The partnership is rooted in the long-standing relationship between Tapped and The Way Group Hospitality co-founder, Sean Drought, and the Mukilteo Family YMCA. Sean has been engaged with the Y for more than 20 years and currently serves on the YMCA of Snohomish County Board of Trustees. Tapped’s mission—to bring people together through warm hospitality—extends naturally into this annual giving effort.
“Each year, this project reminds us what community can look like when we show up for one another,” says Sean Drought. “Partnering with the Y allows us to turn that belief into action. These meals aren’t just food—they’re an invitation for families to slow down, connect, and feel cared for.”
Thanksgiving meals are available to families in the Mukilteo, Monroe, and Everett School Districts with no eligibility requirements. The Y and Tapped work with local schools and community organizations to reach neighbors who benefit most. Volunteers deliver fully-prepared meals right to recipients’ doorsteps on Thanksgiving Day, removing barriers that often make the holiday stressful or inaccessible.
“It’s more than providing a meal—it’s offering a moment of relief, gratitude, and togetherness,” says Cynthia Kelly, Executive Director of the Mukilteo Family YMCA. “We believe every family deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season, and we’re honored to help make that possible.”
Now in its fifth year, the effort continues to grow in both size and spirit. More than 200 volunteers support everything from packing meals to making deliveries, creating a ripple of generosity throughout the community.
“Every year, the community steps forward with incredible energy,” says Sean Drought. “The stories we hear—families facing financial hardship, newcomers building a new life here—remind us why this work matters. It’s a privilege to be part of something that lifts so many people up.”
To donate to support this effort, please visit here.
