Unlikely Thanksgiving Duo: Grandmother and Perfect Stranger Share 8-Year Thanksgiving Tradition, Inviting Others to Join

In a heartwarming tale that defies the odds, Jamal Hinton of Phoenix, Arizona, and Wanda Dench, two strangers who became fast friends after a text message mix-up in 2016, are set to celebrate their eighth consecutive Thanksgiving together. Their enduring bond has captured the attention of many Americans over the years and is an amazing testament to what can happen when people endeavor in random acts of kindness.

The story began nearly a decade ago when Wanda Dench mistakenly sent an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner via text message to Jamal Hinton, intending it for her grandson. Hinton quickly realized the error but responded with humor, stating, “[You’re] not my grandma,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Rather than dismissing the young man, Dench invited him to join her and her family for Thanksgiving dinner anyway.

It’s been an amazing 7 years since the texts! Looking forward to see how the next year goes! 🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/GSY9f2slpP

— Nostalgia City Of Good Times! 🕰️ (@NostalgiaCity2) November 25, 2022

From that moment on, their friendship blossomed, and each year, they continued to share the Thanksgiving tradition together. In an effort to share their experience, Hinton and Dench have partnered with Airbnb to extend their Thanksgiving hospitality to others. They opened Dench’s home in Prescott Valley, Arizona, to guests, allowing them to experience the warmth and camaraderie of their longstanding tradition.

Hinton announced this exciting collaboration on social media, stating, “Exciting news, guys — our Thanksgiving year 8 plans are with you! With @airbnb’s help, we’re hosting you and a friend at Wanda’s home this year.” The Airbnb listing, which has since closed, offered lucky guests the opportunity to dine at Hinton and Dench’s annual Thanksgiving table, partake in traditional festivities, play board games, enjoy holiday movies, and even capture an annual selfie.

Exciting news, guys – our Thanksgiving year 8 plans are with you! With @airbnb’s help, we’re hosting you and a friend at Wanda’s home this year 🦃

Get all the details here: https://t.co/tUeFMo2uqt https://t.co/B0HgpZDoVK pic.twitter.com/OhIsOIq6ZD

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) November 1, 2023

Would you invite a perfect stranger to your home for Thanksgiving?

The Airbnb experience is intended to create meaningful connections while preserving the heartwarming memories that Hinton and Dench have forged over the years. It was priced at $16, a nod to their first Thanksgiving together back in 2016, marking the start of their enduring friendship.

Despite their newfound fame, Hinton and Dench have remained humble and grateful for the incredible journey they’ve shared. Dench, in an interview with Fox 10 Phoenix, expressed her admiration for Hinton, while he reciprocated by calling her “an amazing person” and “the best.” Their friendship extends beyond Thanksgiving, as they’ve enjoyed special moments together, including Dench’s first tattoo and attending Super Bowl 2022.

In addition to celebrating their remarkable friendship, Airbnb has pledged to make a one-time donation to Feeding America, supporting their mission to provide food and aid to the 32 million Americans facing hunger each year. Through their story, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench remind us all of the power of compassion, friendship, and the enduring spirit of Thanksgiving.

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