John 3:16 Mission seeks donations for Thanksgiving Day meal

A little over a week away from Thanksgiving and one of the area's largest centers for the homeless says itâ€™s in a world of hurt. <br><br>The John 3:16 Mission may not have enough food to feed the

Tuesday, November 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A little over a week away from Thanksgiving and one of the area's largest centers for the homeless says itâ€™s in a world of hurt.

The John 3:16 Mission may not have enough food to feed the homeless this Thanksgiving. News on 6 anchor Craig Day has details and how you can help.

â€œI knew sooner or later, God would touch me you know. I feel now that I'm a Christian, I feel God is going to get me out of this predicament." Roy is 40, homeless, struggling to overcome a drug addiction. He comes to the John 3:16 Mission for help, hope and a hot meal. â€œMan it means a lot to me. These people really care. Other than that I wouldn't have no place to go."
This is also where Roy will spend Thanksgiving.

"These are the turkeys we're going to give away this year." But shelter director Steve Whittaker worries he won't have enough to feed everyone in need. "I'm afraid we won't be able to meet their needs. And I'll tell you it's a real gut check to have to turn people away at Thanksgiving."

Last year, John 3:16 gave out 2,200 food baskets and served 1,000 Thanksgiving meals. "For them to experience a good family Thanksgiving, to experience that extra measure of love and care, it is something very special to them."

The poor economy has created even more of a need for food at The John 3:16 Mission this Thanksgiving. That same poor economy has also meant a drop in donations. The shelter needs 1,000 more. As for Roy, "I love the dressing, I really love dressing. It makes me think of what mom cooks for Thanksgiving, you know."

Despite his troubles, he says he has a lot to be thankful for. "When I come here for Thanksgiving, I see that people really care. Without them giving people a chance to come here to eat, a lot of them would starve."

You can drop off food donations anytime here at the John 3:16 facility on Cheyenne. You can also take donations to the John 3:16 Mission Family and Youth Center on North Cincinnati during business hours.

The mission needs turkeys the most, but could use any other food donations as well.