St. Luke’s Prepares Thanksgiving Outreach to Serve Those in Need
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is preparing once again to share the spirit of Thanksgiving with the wider community through its annual holiday meal outreach, a long-standing ministry rooted in service and compassion.
Organizing the Thanksgiving dinner reflects St. Luke’s commitment to living out Christ’s call to love and serve others. The outreach extends hospitality to neighbors who may need assistance during the holiday season. Church leaders say the effort is meant to nourish both body and spirit by offering dignity, fellowship, and hope.
This year, St. Luke’s will provide meals for approximately 400 people through its continued partnership with St. Vincent de Paul.
The collaboration began in 2000 when Deacon Reese Wiggins arrived at St. Luke’s and established the connection with St. Vincent de Paul. Before Covid, volunteers formed an assembly line in Witter Hall and packed about 500 to go plates in styrofoam boxes using food donated by parishioners. After the pandemic, St. Vincent de Paul shifted its distribution model. Miss Denise, a staff member at the organization, informed St. Luke’s that meals would be delivered to various housing facilities, allowing parishioners to provide full pans of food instead of assembling individual plates.
There are no limitations on the types of food parishioners may donate. Organizers encourage home cooked dishes such as baked turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
“I am grateful to be trusted by my St. Luke’s family to coordinate this act of service each year. What a rewarding ministry to serve,” said organizer Paula Carter. “I also want to thank all who faithfully participate every year by preparing food or offering monetary donations.”
Carter offered special thanks to Roy Foster, Lacy Howe, David Palmer, and Trish Boughton, who volunteer on Thanksgiving morning to receive the donated dishes, load them into vehicles, and transport them to St. Vincent de Paul.
Sign up sheets are available at the back of the church, and monetary gifts may be placed in the envelope on the table.
Food donations may be dropped off on Thanksgiving Day from 8 to 10 a.m. Drivers can pull through the front driveway, where volunteers will meet them at their cars.