Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission opens Thanksgiving dinner hotline

Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission is celebrating its fourth annual "Feed the Falls" events again this Thanksgiving and Christmas. It has opened the "Turkey Hotline" for those in need to request a Thanksgiving dinner.

During Thanksgiving week, roughly 300 volunteers - including members from more than 25 Western New York-area churches - are expected to help prepare, serve and deliver these delicious and nutritious meals throughout the City of Niagara Falls, even extending to needy families in rural areas of Niagara County.

On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers will gather at First Assembly of God Church (9750 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls) to package dinners and pray for recipients. Driver teams will then deliver turkey dinners all over Niagara Falls to those who might not otherwise have enjoyed any dinner, or a kind word from a friend.

Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission spokesperson Lynda Hauser said, "Many of us are looking for ways to make a positive difference in our community. This is one great way we can reach out to our neighbors who are lonely and struggling with a tangible demonstration of God's love.

"This Thanksgiving, that love is going to look like a hot turkey dinner, a big slice of pie and the warm smile of a friend."

To prepare for the event, Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission's annual Thanksgiving eve "Pie Party" will again be held at 7 p.m. inside Niagara Community Church (10500 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls). Simply bring a nonperishable pie to this family-friendly event, where volunteers can help prepare food items for early morning Thanksgiving deliveries. Children are welcome to help color pictures and decorate delivery bags for people who will receive holiday meals.

Those interested in working with Niagara Gospel Rescue at the "Pie Party" that Wednesday, or willing to package and deliver meals Thanksgiving morning, should email [email protected] or call 716-609-1480.

If you or someone you know is in need of a meal, call the Niagara Gospel Rescue "Turkey Hotline" to place your order at 716-253-1GOD (1463). Call noon until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Nov. 12-25.