CLEVELAND — A Cleveland tradition is facing a Thanksgiving like no other. Every year, the St. Augustine Hunger Center provides a Thanksgiving meal to about 20,000 people.
Most of the meals are served-up in person. However, this year because of COVID-19 safety precautions the majority of meals will be delivered.
That means they need a lot more volunteers to help pick up and drop off meals to neighbors in need.
Father Joseph McNulty says they usually deliver about 12,000 meals, but expects to deliver more than 15,000 this year.
"We have a lot of people who think they don't deserve a meal," said Father McNulty, St. Augustine pastor. "The meal is not based on poverty, The meal is not based on age. The meal is not based on anything except for if you do want a meal."
The hunger center doesn't require proof of need to get a Thanksgiving meal.
People who would like to have a meal delivered to them are encouraged to call the hunger center by noon Wednesday, at 216-781-5880. That is also the number to call if you'd like to volunteer.
Those who register for a meal can visit the site to receive a packaged dinner 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, there are 16 service areas for meals.
West Side sites in Cleveland are:
- St. Augustine Church Hall, 2486 W. 14thSt.
- Mary Queen of Peace Parish, 4423 Pearl Road
- Franklin Circle Church, 1688 Fulton Road
East Side sites in Cleveland are:
- House of God Church, 12306 Soika Ave., off East 116th Street
- Fifth Christian Church, 14109 Benwood Ave.
- Truelight Missionary Church, 1799 E. 55th St.
- River of Life Ministries, 24600 E. 89thSt.
- St. Paul Missionary Church, 7903 Kinsman Ave.
- Anointed Gates Church, 800 E. 152nd St.
- Willing Worker Missionary Church, 3510 E. 124th St.
East suburban sites are:
- Sanctuary Missionary Baptist Church, 4064 E. 131stSt., Garfield Heights and
- Fellowship Church of God, 2481 Columbus Road, Bedford Heights.
Sites in other counties are:
- St. Elizabeth Center, 2776 Caroline Ave., Lorain
- First Presbyterian Church, Huron
- New Vision New Day Ministry, 1970 Everett Ave., Youngstown and
- Chosen 4His Glory, 563 5thSt., Struthers
The Hunger Center says residents only will be served at St. Claire Place, St. Joseph's Home, Harvard Village Senior Apartments, Orca House, Gordon Square, Williams Chapel, Crestview Apartments, Riverview Towers, Bellaire Gardens, Winton House, Lakeview Towers, LaRond Building, Coleman Court and King Kennedy Estates.
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