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Abilene’s Mission Thanksgiving 2024: A Community Effort to Help Those in Need

Every year, the Big Country comes together for Mission Thanksgiving, an event designed to support the homeless, hungry, and the working poor across West Texas. This annual tradition, is the brainchild of the Arrow Ford owner  Seaton Higginbotham, and he told me that it began as a heartfelt initiative to give back to our community to help those in need and continue the growth and impact.

Supporting Love & Care Ministries

Mission Thanksgiving benefits Love & Care Ministries, a non-profit organization founded by Pastor Mark Hewitt and Jim Sayre. The ministry’s humble beginnings trace back to 1995 and two men serving 20 cups of soup to the homeless and hungry from the back of a pickup truck. Over time, they received a donated building on Abilene’s north side, which now serves as the home of Love & Care Ministries Church. This facility includes a kitchen that ministers to the city’s most vulnerable humans in our area.

The When and Where Event Details 

This year’s Mission Thanksgiving is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 7 AM to 7 PM at 4001 South 1st Street in Abilene. Volunteers and Arrow Ford employees will dedicate the day to collecting donations from everyone in the community that wants to give and help those in need.

Drive-Thru Donations Made Easy

One of the most convenient aspects of Mission Thanksgiving is its drive-thru setup. You don’t even have to leave your car. Volunteers will be on-site to collect donations and help separate the food and clothing items to prepare them for distribution among those in need. Here's what you can give to Mission Thanksgiving this year and keep in mind that the Big Country community faces numerous challenges, from financial struggles and medical issues to homelessness and hunger. Please donate items that are still in good condition or new essentials.

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Here's How You Can Help

This is a list of requested donations:

• New underwear
• New socks of all sizes
• Boots
• Coats
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Clothing (men’s especially)
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food items
• Pop-top cans (perfect for food bags)
• Thermal underwear
• Travel-size personal hygiene items
• Monetary donations

If November 22 isn’t convenient for you, donations can also be dropped off at Love & Care Ministries, 233 Fannin Street, the day before or after the event.

Volunteer

If you are unable to donate items, you can still contribute your time by volunteering. To sign up, call Love & Care Ministries now at 325-670-0246.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Empty your pantry and clean out your closets knowing you’re helping those in need. Mission Thanksgiving is a powerful reminder of the compassion and generosity that defines Abilene. Let’s work together to support our community’s homeless and working poor and show that we truly care.