Community Gathers for Holiday Ham Giveaway

Vendors, families celebrate 6th annual event in Duquesne

By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
December 15, 2025
Posted in: Duquesne News

Some 130 hams were given away Saturday afternoon. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)

With gray skies, snow looming, a slight breeze and the temperature feeling chillier than the official 34 degrees, more than 100 people patiently stood in line Saturday for the 6th annual Katie Cares Ham Giveaway in Duquesne.

“Each year we have added additional things,” said Denise Brownfield of Katie Cares, a neighborhood childcare facility, and a member of Duquesne City Council. “This year we’ve had more produce and food trucks.”

This is a family affair for Brownfield. Each of the 20 or so vendor tables were manned by at least one family member, including T.J. Banks, who stood behind a folding table filled with dozens of cartons of eggs. About 10 boxes, some empty, some still filled to the rim with pink Styrofoam egg cartons.

“We started during the pandemic,” Brownfield said of the event, which is held the second Saturday of December each year. “It’s a way to give back to the community, my family and I.” 

“It’s growing each year,” she said. 

Denise Brownfield (right) talks with attendees at the annual Katie Cares Ham Giveaway in Duquesne on Saturday. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)

Through donations, this year there were 130 hams, tables with potatoes, collard greens, onions, oranges and pineapples. Each year, they add 10 more hams to the inventory. “Macedonia Church does the hams,” she said.

While hundreds roamed the street and talked with neighbors, about 25 people were involved in CPR training and health assessments courtesy of Care Heart CPR at Fresh Word Ministires. Once that was over, they were among the first to get their hands on the free hams.

Brownfield said another benefit of the event is distributing about $1,000 in gift cards. “Families have an opportunity if they need to go out and get Christmas gifts,” she said.

Smitty’s Hot Dog stand was providing hot dogs, while Pastor Neal Trennon from Fresh Word Ministries had been on the sidewalk before 8 a.m., cooking hamburgers as well as hot dogs.

Another vendor was pulling chicken wings from a deep fryer. There was hot chocolate, smores, candy and other treats.

CJ Smith was Mrs. Claus, while Joe Boxley was the big man himself. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)

Pittsburgh Furries and mascots including The Grinch walked up and down South Fifth Avenue while Santa (Joe Boxley) and Mrs. Claus (C.J. Smith) sat in chairs and took pictures with kids of all ages.

Missionary Deborah Perry from Payne Chapel AME Church manned a table in which she was prepared to give away 300 socks. Brownfield said the biggest single donor this year was Edgar Snyder and Associates.

“It’s a wonderful time,” she said.

Pastor Trennon Neal cooks hot dogs and hamburgers in the 34-degree weather. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)

Originally published December 15, 2025.

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