Nov 21, 2017 3 min read

With larger facilities and an outpouring of community support, Washington City Mission has expanded its Thanksgiving holiday celebration this year to “Seven Days of Thanks,” by providing lunch and dinner every day through Saturday.

“Our primary goal is to feed those who might not have the opportunity for a meal with others,” said Beatriz Harrison, mission director of development. “It’s well-known that around the holidays, it gets lonely for folks who don’t have anyone.”

In the past, the Christian organization, which provides housing and services to the homeless, has hosted Thanksgiving and day-after meals. Opening a new kitchen and dining facility in June 2016 allowed the nonprofit to expand.

“This year as we’ve grown, and now that we have the capability with a larger facility, we decided to do it Saturday to Saturday,” said Harrison.

In addition to a meal and fellowship, diners will be entertained by volunteer singers or acoustic guitarists.

Lunch is served from noon to 1:30 p.m. with the dining room closing at 2 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with the dining room closing at 7 p.m.

“It’s a community and place of fellowship, and within that, a sharing of the gospel and showing brotherly love,” said Harrison. “It’s not just for residents or our regular walk-ins. It’s for anyone who wants to spend time with people over the holiday.”

The event would not be possible without the support of the community, Harrison said. About 440 volunteers signed up to help – assisting in the food pantry; donating, packing or delivering boxes of food; prepping and cooking meals; and serving and assisting in the dining room.

“There was not a problem at all getting volunteers. In the past when we only had one dinner service … we were turning people away who wanted to help,” she said. “With the capacity of the dining hall, we’re able to provide more opportunities. People definitely have a heart for it.”

About 50 volunteers will serve 350 to 400 meals a day.

Last year, the shelter served about 200 people at Thanksgiving.

“At this time, people are looking to do more. We’re happy to be able to provide that opportunity,” said Harrison. “We’re grateful for everyone’s steadfast and continued support. If anyone is interested in seeing first hand what we do, they can call us and we’ll give them a tour. We welcome them in to see how we’re changing lives.”

While most volunteer time slots have been filled, a few opportunities remain. For volunteer information, or to donate food, visit www.citymission.org or call 724-222-8530.

The City Mission is located at 84 W. Wheeling St., Washington. The dining room is accessed on Strawberry Way.