LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The thought of canceling the annual Thanksgiving feast just was not an option for the Lexington Rescue Mission.
"When we looked at this year, we thought we can't not do something. We have to be able to offer Thanksgiving dinner, " said Executive Director Laura Carr.
Throughout the pandemic, the Lexington Rescue Mission has been able to stay open and free of COVID-19 through a multitude of adjustments. Carr said the organization has seen about 800 people come through its doors for the very first time in addition to a multitude of repeat clients.
"We've had more people coming into our walk-in hours for help with basic needs, things like hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, clothing, food, groceries," she said.
Knowing how tough the year has been, Carr said it felt extra important to provide a big Thanksgiving feast to give people something to look forward to.
"It's really a time that we are able to reach out and provide a warm and welcoming place for people to come, especially for those who don't have anywhere else to go for the holidays," Carr said.
To do so, more adjustments are being made. This year, instead of welcoming everyone inside for a big feast around the table, they will be doing take away and delivery services.
"They're going to be able to come and get a meal for themselves and their families and take it home," Carr explained. "For those who do have a place to go, they can even call ahead of time and we'll deliver a meal to their doorstep."
To make this possible, Carr said a lot of help from both volunteers and monetary donations is needed. Each meal costs just $2.16, so even a small donation goes a long way in making someone's holiday complete.
"To be able to offer a place where they can go and have a traditional dinner and know that it feels a little bit like Thanksgiving, it's a blessing to be able to provide that," Carr said.
The meal will be on Nov. 25 at Broadway Christian Church in Lexington from 5 to 6 pm.
If you would like your meal delivered to your home, call any time between now and Nov. 14 at 859-381-3900 ext. 233. Leave a message and someone will call you back.
No sign up is necessary otherwise.
There are three ways to help:
- If you would like to volunteer to deliver Thanksgiving dinners, please contact Yvette Davis at yvette@lexingtonrescue.org.
- A monetary donation.
- Provide the needed food by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list and sending it directly to the mission.
