Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving banquet set for Nov. 23

Staff Report

Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., will serve its annual community Thanksgiving banquet at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 23.

For 48 consecutive Thanksgivings, Rockford Rescue Mission has been preparing a traditional turkey dinner for the hungry, homeless and lonely people in the Rockford area.

Rescue Mission Executive Director Sherry Pitney said: “This year, we are preparing for 350 guests and 68 volunteers, including [Rockford] Mayor [Larry] Morrissey, representatives from the Village of Machesney Park, a group from Best Buy, and other local church and family groups. Many of the people who join us for this banquet have no family in the area. Some simply have fallen on hard times. No one should be alone on a holiday and we want to let them know that we care about them, to share God’s love and show them there is hope. Often that starts with something as simple as a hot meal. There is no shortage of people in need, and we are privileged to open our doors for anyone in need.”

This free Great Thanksgiving Banquet is open to everyone — those in need or those who would otherwise be alone.

Randa Noble, director of development for the Rockford Rescue Mission, said: “Because many other organizations serve a special meal on Thanksgiving Day as their annual gift to the community, the Mission serves our big banquet on Thanksgiving Wednesday. By celebrating a day early, the Mission honors the time and effort of these other organizations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will still be provided on Thanksgiving Day as the Mission serves three meals a day, 365 days each year.”

A traditional turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings — dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce and fruit pie — will be served at noon. All guests will also receive a free Polaroid keepsake photo.

“Everyone is welcome — people in need, people who are alone. Our table is open,” said Noble.

Rockford Rescue Mission has been helping the homeless, hungry and hurting 24/7/365 since 1964.

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue