The Mission expects to serve 1,000 meals on Nov. 26 and 27

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley’s staff and volunteers have been preparing Thanksgiving turkeys since the end of September getting ready to serve nearly 1,000 holiday meals over a two-day period.

But there is a need for more frozen-turkey donations to meet the expected demand at Thanksgiving.

Mike Serrecchio, the mission’s food-services manager, said the mission is hoping to receive about 100 donated frozen turkeys over the next few days so volunteers and clients can continue to clean, cook and freeze them for the Thanksgiving meals.

The free Thanksgiving meals will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 26, and noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 27, Thanksgiving Day, in the dining hall of the Rescue Mission’s Resident Building, 962 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

No reservations are required, and all are welcome to the free meal consisting of turkey and gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, bread and dessert. Free parking is available in the lot across from the resident building.

Meals are made possible by the generosity of the community, said Lynn Wyant, director of development. Last year, the mission served 165,504 meals over 365 days (breakfast, lunch and dinner), which was 50,000 more than the previous year and 77,000 more than two years ago, she said.

Anyone who wishes to donate a frozen turkey may drop it off at the resident building anytime of the day or night. Donations also can be made at the mission’s facility, 2246 Glenwood Ave., weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To make a financial contribution, visit www.rescuemissionmv.org and click the “donate” button; or mail gifts to the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, P.O. Box 298, Youngstown, OH 44501.

Mission officials said $2.05 provides a holiday meal for someone in need. Questions concerning Thanksgiving meals should be directed to John Muckridge, director of client services, at 330-744-5486.