Although COVID-19 has caused us to shift our plans a bit as we consider the safety of those we serve, we remain committed to provide Thanksgiving meals during a time when food security is impacting more families in our community than ever before.

On Nov. 20th, we will host our Thanksgiving event in a to-go format, rather than as our traditional sit-down meal. Our guests will have the option to visit on-foot or in a vehicle to pick up a full meal in a to-go bag. We will be serving oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and veggies, as well as a dessert and a bottled beverage. Our staff and volunteers will take every precaution to put our guests’ health and safety first. This year, Santa Maria Foursquare Church has agreed to partner with us, graciously providing the use of their property and their selfless volunteers.

We’ve faced a lot of roadblocks throughout this planning process, but we’ve been inspired by Paul’s words to the church in Galatia: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9. It’s easy to get discouraged by hurdles, but we serve a God that reminds us of why we do what we do.

At this outreach, like all of our outreaches, we desire to meet more than just physical needs. We will have guests in their vehicles who will spend significantly less time with us than usual. To overcome that barrier we are using a short range radio so we can give them information about the outreach as well as remind them of the hope found in Christ. All of our guests will also be receiving a sheet with employment opportunities, mental health needs, and affordable housing information. We will encourage people to end their struggles with homelessness and addiction, whether in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program or with one of our partners. We will tell people about the freedom they can have in Jesus Christ.

We are grateful to our volunteers, donors, thrift customers, and community partners for their enthusiasm and commitment. Over the past six months, we’ve seen our people be incredibly generous. You have not only helped the vulnerable in our community live healthier and more stable lives, you have served Jesus. Over the holiday season, we look forward to the hard work that leads to huge harvests. We look forward to changing lives for good in the name of Jesus.