The Bowery Mission’s 141st Thanksgiving
I’ve been celebrating Thanksgiving here for 16 years. It’s my favorite day of the year at The Bowery Mission. I have so many wonderful memories. Tables filled with people who are hungry — for something to fill their stomachs and their hearts. Volunteers and staff members serving heaping plates of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other holiday favorites, hour after hour, all day long. Festive decorations and music filling our large chapel where we hold our Thanksgiving celebration for our neighbors in need.
This year, things are going to look a bit different. It will be a Thanksgiving to remember for many reasons. We will still serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal to as many people as possible. The needs are great — even more so because of COVID-19. There won’t be tables crowded with people. But there will be nourishing food. There will be unconditional love. And there will be hope shared with each person who comes through our doors.
Friends like you share God’s love and hope to our neighbors in need. Some of our guests are already giving thanks for what you make possible:
“I’m so grateful for soap, for a toothbrush. To be able to eat, get some clothes. Bless you. Thank you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” — Rafael
“I’m grateful for the staff. You give them one minute of your time and they will give you 10 minutes of theirs. If you need help, they will help and won’t turn you away.” — Dishongo
“I’m really thankful for the shelter. I’m an isolated person. I keep to myself. It helps me a lot to communicate with others, to be around different people. It’s a positive community.” — Angel
All of this is possible because of you and other dedicated partners in the ministry. Your support has enabled us to quickly adapt how we serve those in need in our community during this pandemic. And, with your generosity, we will do it again this Thanksgiving.
Thank you. And God bless you and your family during this special season of gratitude.
James Winans, CEO
“Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 106:1
A Thanksgiving to remember
There’s no doubt Thanksgiving is going to look different at The Bowery Mission this year because of COVID-19. To ensure safety, we won’t have our traditional tables crowded with guests, but there will be nourishing food, caring community, unconditional love and hope shared with each person who comes to our Red Doors. And we can’t do this without YOU! Learn more about Thanksgiving care.