As the season of giving arrives, we're excited to spotlight one of C3’s own, Project Manager Alyson Dashner, for her incredible dedication to community support through a Thanksgiving food drive. Alyson’s commitment to helping families in need exemplifies the spirit of giving we value here at C3. We invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting her impactful work this holiday season.
A few years ago, after joining a local gym in Cincinnati, Alyson learned about its partnership with a nearby church that holds an annual Thanksgiving food drive. What started as a small effort to provide food for local families has grown into a cherished community tradition—a powerful reminder of how generosity and unity can uplift those in need.
With a heart full of compassion, Alyson shared her involvement with friends and followers on Instagram, adding her Venmo for those who wanted to contribute. The response was overwhelming, transforming an initial few hundred dollars into thousands. Thanks to these contributions, Alyson and her community were able to fill box after box with food and essential supplies, making a profound difference in the lives of local families. This experience ignited her lasting commitment to the drive, fueling her determination to support it year after year.
The food drive provides a list of essential non-perishable items for donors, and with the funds raised, Alyson and the team take on the shopping to ensure families receive everything they need. In recent years, the team has included $20 gift cards in each box, giving families the flexibility to purchase additional holiday essentials, whether it's a turkey, fresh produce, or pantry items.
Last year, Alyson’s food drive raised an incredible $20,000, providing groceries for hundreds of families. This year, the goal is even bigger: raising $40,000 to feed 1,000 families across Cincinnati. Alyson’s vision is about more than just meals; it’s about fostering hope, sharing warmth, and ensuring every family can celebrate Thanksgiving with a little extra joy.
During a recent check-in, Taylor Vossler, Director of Operations, learned about Alyson's Thanksgiving food drive goal of feeding 1,000 families, a goal twice as large as last year. “Looking at that goal is definitely putting some stress on her, so I was excited to share this moment with her,” Taylor said. Supporting Alyson’s initiative reflects C3’s core value of caring for others. “We thrive on connecting, building, and giving back to our communities,” Taylor noted, adding, “When we see a C3er passionate about giving back, it becomes our community too.”
At C3, we’re proud to stand behind Alyson and her unwavering commitment to this meaningful cause. Her compassion and drive reflect the core values we embrace: kindness, initiative, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
To help Alyson reach her goal of feeding 1,000 families, C3 has made a contribution, and we encourage anyone who can to join us in supporting this remarkable effort. For those interested in giving, please consider sending support to her Venmo (@ADashner) by November 21 at the latest. You can also hear more about the food drive’s impact from Alyson and her team in this video.
This Thanksgiving, let’s make a difference together—one family, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.