King Bach Teams Up With Hollywood Stars To Give Back At Annual Thanksgiving Event

King Bach is kicking off the holiday season in the most meaningful way possible. The actor, creator, and philanthropist is once again teaming up with The RuJohn Foundation for its 13th annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and community dinner, taking place November 24th at Community Coalition in South Los Angeles. The event honors and celebrates local families who have stepped up for someone in their own households, a tribute to sacrifice, resilience, and real community love. This year’s celebration will provide meal kits, hot dinners, and a festive gathering supported by a star-powered volunteer crew including Lil Rel Howery, Aisha Hinds, Dexter Darden, Bresha Webb, Melvin Gregg, and more. Founded to provide educational tools and promote perseverance through athletics across the U.S. and Jamaica, The RuJohn Foundation sees this holiday tradition as one of its most personal and most powerful annual events.

When we spoke to King Bach, he reflected on how the tradition began when he and his sister first moved to Los Angeles. “When my sister and I first moved to Los Angeles, we were looking for a way to get involved and impact the community,” he told The Blast. “One of the things that binds community together is holiday traditions, so we wanted to give that experience to everyone regardless of financial ability and circumstances.”

A classmate from Florida State connected him with Community Coalition, and the partnership “has been rocking ever since.” From storing turkeys in a deep freezer in their apartment to assembling baskets in their living room, the event has grown from humble beginnings into one of South LA’s most cherished annual traditions.

What once started with a handful of volunteers and limited meals has now expanded into a large-scale operation with more than 20 volunteers and the support of major partners like Toyota.

“In the early years, we were preparing meals and baskets for families with just a handful of volunteers,” Bach explained. “Through the years we were able to grow and expand our reach and impact. With the help of Toyota, we have grown this event to help 175 families this year.”

For Bach, keeping the event at Community Coalition every year is intentional. “Part of a tradition is making a home feel like home in all seasons,” he told The Blast. “We want the community and building to be filled with fun, laughter, and great memories.”

What sets this event apart is its focus on families who have stepped up for each other. RuJohn and Community Coalition specifically spotlight households where someone has taken on extra responsibility, supporting a child, a parent, or a loved one through a difficult time.

“It goes to the essence of community and family,” Bach said. “As a community, we should be striving to make life easier and more enjoyable for each other.”

His hope for families walking away from the event? “Fun and connected.”

This year’s guest volunteers, including Lil Rel Howery, Aisha Hinds, Dexter Darden, Bresha Webb, Melvin Gregg, and longtime supporter Lance Gross, are all close friends who believe in the foundation’s mission. “I have supportive friends who also believe in the mission of the RuJohn Foundation,” Bach said. “The volunteers are excited to help and spread the holiday cheer. Their involvement brings an additional level of inspiration to the event.”

And with the event known for its upbeat, celebratory energy, Bach says the volunteers play a huge part in making it special. “The involvement of local leaders and volunteers reinforces the community’s dedication to the success of the turkey giveaway," he added. "They amplify the festivities and bring the fun! The event is a vibe felt by the volunteers and participants.”

While the foundation’s core focus is on education and athletic perseverance, Bach explains the Thanksgiving celebration fits perfectly into their philosophy of supporting the whole child and the whole community. “I know that part of perseverance is taking breaks and enjoying life,” he said. “Holiday traditions always made me feel balanced and loved.”

He hopes that the long-term impact of RuJohn’s work will be seen in stronger, more resilient communities. “Life will always life,” he said. "But sometimes it is about dancing in the rain. If you can overcome adversity, you can achieve so much in life and enjoy it at the same time.”

For anyone looking to get involved, volunteer, or help with relief efforts, especially ongoing support for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Bach encourages people to visit the foundation’s website. “Go to rujohnfoundation.com to donate or sign up to volunteer,” he said. “We have programs throughout the year and welcome all assistance.”