John 3:16 Mission In Tulsa Needs Donations For Free Thanksgiving Dinners

Tulsa's John 3:16 Mission is getting ready to feed thousands of people this Thanksgiving. 

"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday- imagine your dining room table with a thousand people at it or two thousand," said Rev. Steve Whitaker with John 3:16 Mission. 

The community of Tulsa is special for a variety of reasons; one is the way people come together to serve those in need on the holidays.

"There is no budget that backs that program. It is done off the generosity of Tulsans, who have funded it every year," said Rev. Whitaker. 

Every year John 3:16 mission feeds a Thanksgiving meal to people who are hungry.

"We know who we are serving- we can verify the need," said Rev. Whitaker. 

They serve thousands of people.

"That is between 90 and 100 pounds of food that we distribute during that time period," said Rev. Whitaker. 

Rev. Steve Whitaker says he is still seeing the impact of the pandemic in the shelters and because of that he says the need might be even greater this year.

"It is just different. The need, the need is severe at this point," said Rev. Whitaker, "By faith I think we can get there but it is going to be a struggle."

Besides the turkey, fixings are also needed. Throughout the month of November families can drop these items off at specific grocery stores around town, the Family and Youth Center or at The John 3:16 Mission.

"I think most people know I am a clergyman, and I am really grateful just for life. To get to do this is an experience...I really can't explain how good it feels to know that people are taken care of," said Rev. Whitaker. 

Every Thanksgiving the community has rallied to feed total strangers- John 3:16 volunteers are hopeful the community will show up in that same way again this year.

The Mission will be accepting donations of frozen turkeys and nonperishable food items such as: stuffing, instant potatoes, gravy mix, mac & cheese, canned sweet potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, pie filling or Jell-O at numerous locations starting Saturday, November 6th:

1. John 3:16 Mission at 506 N. Cheyenne Ave. 7 am to 7 pm Mon - Sun through Nov. 22
2. Family & Youth Center at 2027 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 9 am to 5 pm

Mon - Fri through Nov. 22

1. Under the Sun Garden Center - 91st Street and Sheridan Avenue - during business hours throughout the month of November.

Additional food drives will take place:

November 6, 2021

1. Reasor's: 1100 E. Kenosha, Broken Arrow
2. Reasor's: 7114 S. Sheridan, Tulsa
3. Reasor's: 11815 E. 86th St. N., Owasso
4. Reasor's: 11550 N. 135th E. Ave. Owasso
5. Reasor's: 446 S. Elm St., Jenks
6. Reasor's - 4909 East 41st Street Tulsa

November 13, 2020

1. Reasor's: 3915 S. Peoria Ave, Tulsa
2. Reasor's: 11116 South Memorial, Bixby
3. SAM'S: Tulsa Hills - 7757 S Olympia- Owasso
4. Walmart: 12101 East 96th Street North Owasso
5. Walmart: 12912 East 86th Street North, Owasso
6. Walmart: 3116 South Garnett Road, Tulsa

November 20, 2020

1. Walmart Neighborhood Market: 12912 E. 86th St. N., Owasso
2. Walmart: 4404 South Peoria Ave
3. Walmart: 3116 South Garnett Road, Tulsa
4. SAM'S: Tulsa Hills - 7757 S Olympia, Tulsa

Thanksgiving food baskets for struggling Tulsa area residents will be distributed on November 22, 23 and 24 from 9 am to 3 pm each day at John 3:16 Mission’s Family & Youth Center, 2027 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Photo ID and proof of address required. One food basket per household.