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Charlotte Rescue Mission calling on community for Thanksgiving meal donations

CAHRLOTTE — One of the resources many people who are without homes turn to on Thanksgiving each year is asking the community for help.

The Charlotte Rescue Mission said it is running short on food boxes and turkey donations.

“Every Thanksgiving we give out Thanksgiving food boxes,” Tony Marciano, the president of the nonprofit, said. “One of our partners who normally provides us with 1,000 Thanksgiving food boxes and turkeys has gone in a different direction.”

Marciano said the nonprofit’s goal is to collect 5,000 turkeys and food boxes filled with Thanksgiving staples. Currently, Marciano said the nonprofit has only collected 2,000.

Marciano said it’s not just about building boxes, it’s about building memories.

“That Thanksgiving of 2022 was so special because other people cared about me. That’s what this is all about. helping a family create memories around their Thanksgiving table, Marciano said.

“I believe it’s a critical need. I believe we all are in this together,” project director of InReach, Keiba Young, said.

Young said InReach is a nonprofit that partners with Charlotte Rescue Mission to distribute the boxes to families in need.

“We were feeding 158 day one, but now we’re feeding 300 families. And so, if there’s a shortage that means half of those may not receive food that they’re going to count on,” Young said.

Young said that despite the low donations, she’s certain the nonprofits will complete their mission. But they will need help from the community.

“They know that there’s a need they will step up so I’m confident they should be fine,” Young said. “You just need to speak louder and they are.”

Charlotte Rescue Mission says its biggest days for donations will be Nov. 18 and Nov. 19.

For instructions on how and where you can drop off your donations email Pam Beam at pam.beam@charlotterescuemission.org.

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Almiya White

Almiya White, wsoctv.com

Almiya White is a reporter for WSOC-TV