The season of giving

Niagara Gospel Mission handed out over 2,200 meals to people in need in Niagara Falls

The Niagara Gospel Mission had a busy Thanksgiving eve and Thanksgiving day, preparing and handing out over 2,200 prepackaged Thanksgiving meals to people in need in the City of Niagara Falls, the Town of Niagara, and the City of North Tonawanda. Around 300 volunteers showed up and were assigned different roles for the “Feed the Falls” event.

On Wednesday night, volunteers cut pies and packaged rolls, while children colored the bags where the food would be packaged for families. On Thanksgiving 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.

The Niagara Gospel Mission handed out over 2,200 meals to those in need in the surrounding community. Volunteers also packaged individual meals for the Niagara Falls Police Department and Fire Department, along with security forces at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station – which all had people on duty away from their families on Thanksgiving Day, keeping the community safe.

“We love doing ‘Feed the Falls’ every Thanksgiving and giving a warm meal to those in our community in need. We may be delivering a meal, but it is more than that – it is delivering hope – the hope of the Gospel,” said the Rev. John Cooper, executive director.

Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. Visit niagaragospemission.org to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women.

Images courtesy of the Niagara Gospel Mission.

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Image courtesy of the Buffalo City Mission

Buffalo City Mission holds annual ‘Turkey Express’ Thanksgiving meal delivery program

On Thanksgiving, the Buffalo City Mission held its annual “Turkey Express” meal delivery program. Taking place at the Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise for the third consecutive year, the event delivered more than 3,300 Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty across Western New York. More than 250 volunteers were present.

"Once again, we are overjoyed to celebrate the incredible success of this year’s ‘Turkey Express’ event," Buffalo City Mission Executive Director and CEO Aubrey Calhoun said. "Buffalo truly lives up to its name as the City of Good Neighbors, with our volunteers and donors demonstrating the power of community and compassion. Their unwavering support has brought hope and comfort to many, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need this Thanksgiving season."

The “Turkey Express” began bright and early on Thanksgiving morning, with dedicated volunteers loading their vehicles with holiday feasts, complete with hot turkey and all the classic fixings. A total of 175 delivery teams fanned out across Western New York, bringing hearty Thanksgiving meals to thousands of underprivileged families, homebound individuals, and elderly neighbors. From the heart of Buffalo to Lockport and all the way to Angola, these deliveries spread holiday warmth and kindness across the region.

"As we celebrate the success of this year’s ‘Turkey Express,’ we are reminded of the incredible impact our volunteers and donors make," Calhoun said. "With the Christmas season just around the corner, we’re calling on our community to continue this spirit of giving. Volunteers are essential to helping us bring hope, joy, and critical support to those in need during the holidays."

To learn more about the annual “Turkey Express,” visit buffalocitymission.org, or to make a donation, visit the donation link online. 

The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit organization providing preventative, emergency, and transitional housing programs to thousands of people who are financially insecure and experiencing homelessness every year. That includes the new Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise, a Women's and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), as well as the Dick Road Thrift Store to serve the Western New York community. For more information, visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call 716-854-8181.

Images courtesy of the Buffalo City Mission