Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission calls on community for turkeys

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission needs 1,000 turkeys to help homeless men and women, and families in need for Thanksgiving Day. The Mission received 200 turkeys this week, but still needs another 1,000 turkeys before Thanksgiving.

The Mission is calling on members of the community to donate 15 to 20-pound frozen turkeys from now until Nov. 26.

“We’ve witnessed a need to feed more unsheltered people as our requests have increased,” said Norm Hummel, director of food service for the Mission. “We are extremely blessed to live in city that cares for our homeless neighbors. Each meal provides a path to recovery. In fact, some families will be reunited for the first time in years this Thanksgiving through our recovery program,” he said.

For 87 years, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission has been caring for their homeless neighbors and walking with them from survival back into a thriving life. This past year, the mission served more than 924,298 meals to those in great need.

For Thanksgiving, the Mission expects to serve breakfast, brunch and dinner to more than 1,500 people at three of its recovery locations throughout greater Seattle. Additional turkeys and food boxes go to families in need and to other local charities who request help from the Mission.

Turkey donations can be made at three locations:

• Kent Distribution Center – 8226 S. 208th St., Kent, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Pioneer Square – 318 Second Ave. Extension S., Seattle, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Hope Place Women’s Recovery Shelter – 3802 S. Othello St., Seattle, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It’s amazing how the path to recovery and a new life often starts with something simple as a meal. We are so thankful for generosity and love from so many who make this possible,” said Mission President Scott Chin.”

For more information about the turkey drive, call Scott Swansen at 206-245-7449. Any turkey donation or monetary donation can also be made at ugm.org/turkey.