Affordable Housing Residents Receive Free Thanksgiving Turkeys and Hot Meals on Behalf of The Michaels Organization and Jason Thompson Foundation
CAMDEN, NJ (Nov. 23, 2024): — The Michaels Organization, a leader in residential real estate, has partnered with the Jason Thompson Foundation, a non-profit organization created by former NBA star Jason Thompson that is dedicated to creating healthy lifestyles for children and young adults, to provide residents of Cramer Hill Family free turkeys and meals in preparation for Thanksgiving.
“Michaels is dedicated to partnering with individuals and organizations that share our passion for giving back and Lifting Lives, especially during Thanksgiving and the holiday season,” said Nick Cangelosi, Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Jason Thompson Foundation. It inspires all of us to see someone like Jason, a professional athlete who has accomplished so much, giving back to the children and families.”
The Jason Thompson Foundation values the importance of physical health and education, and is dedicated to positively influencing children and young adults in unique and effective ways. In addition to serving healthy meals at special events within the community, the foundation hosts summer camps for children that promote healthy, active lifestyles as well as community service.
“Supporting communities within South Jersey has always been close to my heart. Partnering with The Michaels Organization this Thanksgiving allows us to provide more than just meals—it’s about sharing gratitude and creating moments that bring people together. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact where it truly counts,” said Jason Thompson.
All 75 households at Cramer Hill Family received a complimentary turkey from the foundation at the event, where the families were also served hot to-go meals. Cramer Hill Family, the affordable housing community developed by The Michaels Organization in 2022, is the first of four phases for Michaels’ $145 million redevelopment of the City of Camden’s oldest public housing community, Ablett Village.
Michaels is committed to being a good corporate citizen in Camden and in all communities where it owns and operates housing. As part of the event, the Jason Thompson Foundation provided information about their summer camp programs to the more than 200 residents in attendance, and Michaels hopes to be able to sponsor children interested in attending the camp this summer.
Since moving its corporate headquarters to Camden in 2019, Michaels has donated over 800 turkeys to local residents. This Thanksgiving season, Michaels will also donate additional turkeys to Camden residents through collaboration with the Mayor’s office and Camden Community Partnership.
Like Michaels, Jason Thompson and the Foundation also have roots in South Jersey. Thompson was born in Camden and is an alum of Lenape High School in Burlington County and Rider University. In 2008, he was chosen as a first-round draft pick for the Sacramento Kings which eventually led him to a brief stint with his hometeam, the Philadelphia 76ers. Thompson created his Foundation in 2010, in honor of his cousin, Tiffany Carroll, who passed away from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
About the Jason Thompson Foundation
The Jason Thompson Foundation (JTF) is a 501 (C) (3) organization dedicated to creating healthy lifestyles for children and young adults by providing the resources and social support needed to live each day as active, heart-healthy individuals. To L.I.V.E. (Learn. Imagine. Voice. Educate.) by example and bring awareness to heart disease.
As an organization that values the importance of physical health and education, our aim is to service the community and positively influence children and young adults in unique and effective ways. This is a major reason we created the community initiative of L.I.V.E. Like JT.
Learn, Imagine, Voice & Educate
L.I.V.E. Like JT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting heart health and healthy living initiatives within our community. Through events, education, and advocacy, we strive to empower individuals to take control of their heart health and live life to the fullest. L.I.V.E. Like JT (LLJT) encourages young people to use their voices to advocate for positive changes in the world. In a four-step process, the program teaches students to learn, imagine, voice, and educate, and is built off the principle that all things are possible with hard work, dedication, and imagination.
