This year, South Side Mission's Thanksgiving Meal Ministry will make and distribute over 2,700 meals for those in need.
Each year, the South Side Mission makes and delivers meals for Peoria-area residents who lack the resources to enjoy a traditional holiday meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Development manager Rich Draeger says the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.
"When we hear about the volunteers, it really is heartwarming for them as it is for the people that are receiving the meal because sometimes especially if you're a shut in, that might be the only visit you get," Draegar said. "So we always encourage our volunteers that if they feel led to, visit with the folks a little bit, maybe even say a little prayer for them on Thanksgiving."
Draeger also says the ability to make and distribute these meals wouldn't be possible without their volunteers.
"It's just it's a great community wide effort and we can't do without volunteers and actually our chef left us, so we're also looking for a culinary manager. So this year it truly will be all done by volunteers and we're just very, very grateful for the community helping us out," he said.
The last day to sign up to receive a Thanksgiving meal is Nov. 23. Call the South Side Mission at (309) 676-4604 or sign up online.
Thanksgiving volunteer slots are filled up, but the South Side Mission is still accepting volunteers for the Christmas delivery season.
