Thanksgiving 2025 is here, which means it’s been 10 years since Jamal Hinton mistakenly received a text from Wanda Dench, leading to a connection that would last a lifetime.
Hinton was a high school senior when he received a group text from Dench, who thought she was texting her grandchildren to invite them to Thanksgiving dinner. After asking for a photo to confirm who the sender was, it wasn’t long before he confirmed the text was a mistake, but it turned into a joke that led to a relationship with a family that has now lasted for a decade.
“That text changed what Thanksgiving means to us and made it that much more special,” Hinton told Blavity in a recent interview, as they are partnering with Green Giant for their Thanksgiving feast this year. “Even outside of the holidays, we’ve grown a true and meaningful friendship that’s stood the test of time. Wanda is someone I can really lean on, and she’s become a mentor in my life, so our relationship has really evolved, and it extends even beyond the holidays.”
Dench added, “Yes, we’ve carried this friendship into our everyday lives, not just the holidays, but it really does mean a lot to share that meal together every year and remind ourselves and the world that the holidays are a time of togetherness — and good food!”
Reflecting on a decade of Thanksgiving celebrations
When asked to reflect on a memorable moment from the past 10 years, Dench recalled staying up until 2 a.m. playing a game of Rummikub. In this classic tile-based two-to-four player game, the objective is to be the first to empty your rack through the act of forming numbered tiles into runs.
As the pair celebrates their decade milestone, they’re also helping a company known for providing Thanksgiving staples commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Alongside Green Giant, Dench and Hinton are bringing their story full circle, using the canned vegetables to put their favorite recipes on the dinner table for the holiday.
“We want to send the message that the heart of the holidays is about togetherness and creating those special moments with everyone — from loved ones to strangers. Green Giant canned vegetables brings people together over good food, which is exactly what that text ended up doing for us,” Dench said.
Their Thanksgiving go-tos
Over the years, strangers have become family, and Dench and Hinton have come a long way since their initial holiday.
“Our traditions are about being together, but over the years, we’ve done different activities, so our traditions continue to evolve with us,” Hinton shared.
As they set out to celebrate yet another Thanksgiving together, Dench is looking forward to their go-to favorites: the best-ever green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
“These dishes are how we make Thanksgiving wholesome and easy, so we can focus on what really matters, which is the people around the table. We love that Green Giant makes it simple to whip up quality dishes that bring people together,” she concluded.