In one Albuquerque home, the scent of roasting turkey drifts through the air. Laughter echoes from the kitchen as family members swap stories, set the table, and sneak bites of stuffing. Children dart between legs, their joy bubbling over in anticipation of the feast ahead.
Just a few streets away, another home feels quieter. The day unfolds more slowly. There’s no rush in the kitchen, no flurry of activity—just a gentle stillness, a holiday observed with simplicity. In place of the usual aromas and bustle, there’s reflection, resilience, and the quiet hope for something a little brighter.
At AnchorBuilt, we believe no family should feel overlooked during Thanksgiving. In 2009, moved by the many different ways people experience the season, we launched a heartfelt tradition. Our team assembled 18-gallon Thanksgiving totes—each filled with a turkey, ham, and all the trimmings—and delivered them to 75 local households.
What began as a simple act of compassion has grown into a defining part of who we are. Because building strong communities means more than constructing spaces—it means showing up, sharing abundance, and honoring the many ways people come together.
Humble Fish Foundation
People Behind The Mission
What began as a small act of kindness has blossomed into a movement of compassion.
Now known as the Humble Fish Foundation, this annual Thanksgiving initiative has grown to support over 800 local families each year. What started as a charitable gesture by a local business has evolved into a deeply rooted community tradition—one powered by more than 400 volunteers, including AnchorBuilt employees, local students, and neighbors who come together with one shared purpose: to make the season brighter for others.
The planning begins in August, when the AnchorBuilt team reaches out to 70 to 80 local schools, inviting them to identify families who would appreciate the extra support. With care and discretion, school liaisons and counselors connect with up to 10 families per school, ensuring each one is offered the opportunity to be included.
Once the list is complete, the work begins. Two hundred volunteers carefully pack each tote—turkeys, hams, canned goods, and all the traditional trimmings—while another 200 step forward to hand-deliver them with warmth and gratitude.
It’s a reminder that community is built not just with tools and blueprints, but with hearts and hands working together toward something greater.
