On Thanksgiving Day the Waterfront Rescue Mission continues its tradition of opening its doors to the homeless, poor, lonely, or shut-in men, women and children of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, by hosting the Great Thanksgiving Banquet. The Mission staff is gearing up to prepare, serve, and deliver more than 1,800 free meals to those in need this season.

The community is invited to enjoy the family style meal and fellowship at the Mission located at 16 West Main Street in downtown Pensacola. The program will begin at 11 am with gospel music and an inspirational message, and the meal will be served from noon until 2:30 pm. The Mission will also be distributing winter clothing and personal hygiene items at this time. Any guests wishing to contact family members will be given the opportunity to make free local and long distance calls on the day of the Event thanks to a donation from Nextel. If you are unable to attend the banquet but cannot afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal, one can be delivered to you. Call (850) 438-4027 to take part in this delivery service.

The Waterfront Rescue Mission is calling on the rest of the community to join them in this effort of reaching out. There are numerous ways to help. Individuals, groups, or businesses can: a) Volunteer for meal preparation during the week prior to Thanksgiving Day b) Volunteer to deliver or serve meals on Thanksgiving Day c) Organize a canned food drive (yams, corn, green beans, lima beans, and cranberry sauce are greatly needed) d) Donate items for the Giveaway Program (gloves, scarves, toboggan hats, blankets, backpacks, socks, underwear, personal hygiene items, and children’s toys) e) Donate food items or make a financial donation: $42.40 will provide 20 meals and $106.00 will provide 50 meals.

Last year, the Mission received an outpouring of support through volunteers. If you would like to help this year, you may call the Mission at (850) 438-4027.

Since 1949, 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.