Published on: November 19, 2025, 07:27h.
Updated on: November 19, 2025, 07:27h.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth distributed 500 Thanksgiving meals
- This initiative supported local families in need as well as federal workers
- The newly inaugurated casino in Norfolk contributed significantly to the local food bank
This Thanksgiving, nearly 500 families in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area experienced early moments of gratitude, as Rivers Casino Portsmouth distributed holiday meals complete with all the fixings.
Since opening as the commonwealth’s first permanent slot and table game casino in January 2023, Rivers Casino has remained a committed community ally.
On Saturday, residents lined up to receive complimentary frozen turkeys alongside traditional Southern sides, including stuffing, canned peas, box macaroni and cheese, and cornbread mix.
This event, known as the Thanksgiving Vibes Turkey Giveaway, was organized by Portsmouth Councilman Vernon Tillage Jr. and generously funded by Rivers Casino Portsmouth, providing assistance to families facing economic challenges, recent federal government shutdowns, or other financial difficulties as they prepare for the holiday next week.
Priority for Federal Workers
Families eligible for the Thanksgiving meals had to pre-register and notify Tillage’s office about their financial struggles. The councilman emphasized prioritizing individuals impacted by the recent 43-day federal government shutdown.
“Many families have contacted me over the past couple of weeks, expressing their struggle due to missing paychecks,” Tillage informed The Virginian-Pilot.
Portsmouth, along with neighboring Norfolk, has a significant population of federal workers due to the Navy’s Norfolk base, recognized as the largest naval base globally. Naval Station Norfolk serves as both headquarters and home port for the US Navy’s Fleet Forces Command.
In the area, approximately 85,000 active-duty service members and 60,000 civilian federal employees reside.
According to Tillage, the Thanksgiving Vibes Turkey Giveaway was in collaboration with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Rivers Portsmouth contributed about $7,500 to the food bank for the 500 holiday meals.
Norfolk Casino Aids Food Bank
The Interim Gaming Hall, a temporary casino located next to Norfolk’s Harbor Park while Boyd Gaming constructs a $750 million permanent resort, allocated its opening day revenues to the Southeastern Virginia Foodbank.
Representatives from Boyd and its local partner, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, reported that the 7,200-square-foot tent venue, featuring 132 slot machines but lacking table games or sports betting, generated $92,297.77 on November 7.
“Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families, and the Foodbank is tirelessly working to minimize local hunger,” stated Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of The Interim Gaming Hall. “Supporting organizations that directly affect the lives of our community members is a core aspect of our mission, and we are proud to assist the Foodbank in continuing its essential work.”
An official from the food bank expressed that this financial support would “have an immediate and significant impact” on its ability to help families facing hunger in the region.
“We are incredibly thankful,” added the Southeastern Virginia Foodbank.
Financial analysts from Wells Fargo project that a traditional Thanksgiving meal in 2025 will cost around $80 for ten individuals using store-brand products and approximately $100 for national brand items.