Donations of food, time and money are needed to help St. Augustine Parish and Hunger Center in its annual ministry to provide Thanksgiving meals for those who otherwise would not be able to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
An estimated 20,000 people are expected to be fed on Thanksgiving Day. Meals will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the parish, 2486 W. 14th St., in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, as well as at 33 other homeless shelters, hunger centers and churches across Northeast Ohio.
Among those sites are St. Colman Parish, 2027 W. 65th St., Mary Queen of Peace Parish, 4423 Pearl Road, and St. Andrew Kim Parish, 2310 W. 14th St., all in Cleveland. Meals will be delivered there and served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
In addition, 29 other hunger centers and nonprofit agencies in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Summit and Geauga counties have requested meal deliveries to ensure that homeless and homebound people will receive a dinner.
“Many families are caught in the homeless cycle. There are thousands of people struggling with poverty. Our hunger center is proud to provide a sanctuary on Thanksgiving,” said Father Joseph McNulty, pastor of St. Augustine Parish. “This meal provides not just provisions but a community to those in need from volunteers who share compassion for those in need.”
Many volunteers are needed to pack, serve and deliver the meals, Father McNulty said. Also, St. Augustine’s is seeking donations of food and cash to help provide for the less fortunate.
In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, a hot breakfast will be served 8-9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at Merrick House, 1050 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland. Merrick House is near St. Augustine Parish.
Anyone knowing of a location, person or family in need may request a meal delivery or a ride to a facility that provides the holiday meal by calling St. Augustine at 216-781-5530. The same number can be called to inquire about volunteering to pack, serve or deliver meals.
Cash donations also are appreciated, Father McNulty said. Donations may be delivered or mailed to St. Augustine Church, 2486 W. 14th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44113. He noted that there is a need for assistance throughout the year – not just during the holidays.
“Remember the homeless as we begin the holiday season,” he said. “Pray for them and support the shelters that seek to give a hand to those in need.”