Niagara Gospel Mission handed out over 1,300 meals to people in need in Niagara Falls

Niagara Gospel Mission gave out over 1,300 meals to people in need in the City of Niagara Falls during the holiday season.

After a successful Thanksgiving “Feed the Falls” campaign, the Niagara Gospel Mission helped the same people this Christmas. On Dec. 23, about 200 volunteers sorted through Christmas cookies and packaged rolls while children colored the bags where the food would be packaged for families. On Christmas morning, more volunteers came in – starting at 7 a.m. – to warm up the turkeys, corn, gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes. After the meals were prepared, another group of volunteers came in to drive the meals to families who had called ahead and asked for a meal.

Niagara Gospel Mission volunteers also packaged individual meals for the Niagara Falls Police and Fire departments, along with security forces at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Each unit had people on duty and away from their families on Christmas Day, keeping the community safe.

Outgoing Executive Director Tom McLaughlin said, “Christmas is a time of giving, and it is such an encouragement to see all the people of Niagara Falls who came to donate, volunteer and give to their neighbors in need.”

Incoming Executive Director John Cooper Jr. said, “Christ came into the world giving us the greatest gift of all: His love and his life for sinners. When you get to share that love by providing 1,300 meals to people in need – and have 200 people sacrifice time for their fellow neighbor – it gets me pretty excited and filled with hope.”

Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. It is located at 1317 Portage Road in Niagara Falls. Visit niagaragospemission.org to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women.