The Waterfront Rescue Mission can add another year to their string of successful Thanksgiving Banquets; a feat that could not have been accomplished without the help of more than 200 volunteers and donations from individuals, businesses, and churches alike, according to Cheryl Hunter, the Mission’s Development Associate in charge of volunteer coordination and church/public relations.
The volunteers pulled together, along with Mission staff, to prepare, serve, and/or deliver nearly 2,500 meals. The Mission has been serving Thanksgiving Dinner since its founding in 1949, but has been putting up the tent at its downtown Pensacola location for 16 years. This year, more than 500 meals were served on site, with the remainder being delivered out into the community.
Executive Director Leo Gray and Rescue Team Leader Louie Carlton have set their sights toward Christmas and meeting the needs of the less fortunate once again. “This is a time of year where the needs are the greatest,” said Gray. “The weather changes and we must provide those things that are most necessary for daily survival.”
The Mission is seeking the support of individuals, businesses and churches once again to collect the needed items. Item drives are one way to gather articles quickly since Christmas is fast approaching, Hunter said. Donated items can be dropped off at the Men’s Shelter located at 16 W. Main Street.
Carlton has identified several items that the Mission is in need of for the Christmas give-away program.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Milk
• Butter
• Breakfast meats
The Mission can also accept gift cards from area grocery or supercenter stores to be able to replenish perishable items with ease.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the Christmas Banquet, you may call the Waterfront Rescue Mission at (850) 438-4027.
To have a meal delivered to you on Christmas morning, you may call Deb Farish at (850) 438-4027. Deadline for meal delivery orders is 12 pm Friday, December 21st.
Since 1949, the Waterfront Rescue Mission has been a beacon of hope for thousands of homeless and hurting people. Last year the Mission provided more than 200,000 meals and nearly 70,000 nights of shelter to the homeless and dejected.