Combined with other food items still outstanding, Good Samaritan Executive Director Aaron Murphy said the ministry is about $18,000 away from meeting the total cost of the food boxes set to roll out Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23. The ministry also hopes to provide holiday food to another 138 families on its waiting list for Thanksgiving assistance, which would add to the cost of the project.
In an appeal for community help on Friday, Murphy said, “Good Samaritan Ministries has answered the call to make a difference in the lives of many during the Thanksgiving season and we are in the midst of getting ready for this by serving the homeless and low-income populations.
“Our hope is to provide each family with a life-changing experience during the Thanksgiving holiday to enjoy together and remember. And in order for that to happen, we are going to need help from the community.”
Each family included in the food distribution will receive a turkey, all the makings of a holiday meal and enough supplemental food items to last for up to three weeks. The distribution also includes fully prepared holiday meals to be delivered to the homes of about 200 low-income seniors, veterans and disabled adults who are unable to cook for the holiday.
As in past years, local police officers and firefighters will assist ministry volunteers in delivering the prepared meals. Those who wish to help in the deliveries, the two-day food box distribution or in the ongoing packing of the food boxes may call the ministry at 423-928-1958 to schedule a time slot.
For those who wish to contribute, a $35 donation will provide a turkey and a large holiday food box for one family or a fully prepared turkey dinner for a family delivered to the home of a senior or disabled adult.
Donated items for the food boxes — most needed are canned green beans and cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing mix and instant mashed potatoes — can be dropped off at the Good Samaritan Ministry building at 100 N. Roan St., Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m.
Monetary donations to Good Samaritan Ministries earmarked for Thanksgiving food may be made online at at www.goodsamjc.org or by mail to Good Samaritan Ministries, P.O. Box 2441, Johnson City, TN 37605.
