Anticipation of the holidays always conjures a sense of nostalgia and hope. It’s a time for giving, being with loved ones and offering service to others. These are values that Muncie Mission, a recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Community Partner Award, wants to see fully realized once again as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. The award is administered by the Ball State Office of Community Engagement.
Every year Muncie Mission hosts its annual Thanksgiving dinner to feed those in need. Residents unite to celebrate community and help fill the bellies of families across the county. Muncie Mission is seeking the help of approximately 100 volunteers to assist with preparations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Muncie Mission receives no government funding, but instead relies on volunteer support, as well as monetary and food donations from the community, to make their Thanksgiving meal possible.
“Feeding as many as 1,000 neighbors can be costly,” says Leigh Edwards, vice president of community engagement. “As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community. We are blessed every year through food and monetary donations that allow us to make sure everyone has something delicious to eat on Thanksgiving Day. If someone feels led to donate, we’d appreciate donations of turkeys and pies.” In-person donations can be made on-site, and monetary donations can be made at munciemission.org.
Volunteers will be needed in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving for cooking, packing meals, serving food and making local deliveries. “Every year our volunteers come together to prepare food and deliver it,” says Edwards. “We also have amazing bakers who make and donate hundreds of pies.”
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. If you wish to volunteer, contact Edwards at ledwards@munciemission.org, or by calling 765-288-9122, ext.109.
Edwards expects between 800 and 1,000 meals will be disseminated to local residents. Meals are prepared on-site and consist of traditional fare, with a healthy helping of turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls and homemade pie.
Dinners will be served to Mission residents on Thanksgiving Day for anyone on-site by 11 a.m. Delaware County residents are encouraged to pick up a meal for themselves and family members at the Muncie Mission, at 1725 South Liberty Street between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additionally, meals will be delivered to homebound individuals who have been identified via LifeStream Services and Meals on Wheels.
“This is a wonderful way for our community and staff to come together to make sure all of our neighbors have a delicious home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving,” says Edwards.
