Thousands of volunteers gathered to help deliver food to families in need, Thanksgiving Day 2015

Thanksgiving Day at Mission Arlington

210 W. South St., Arlington, TX 76010 / Volunteer start time: 8:00 a.m.

As Thanksgiving morning unfolds, we look back on an incredible few days. For days, there have been lines of cars “out back” dropping off turkeys and Thanksgiving food. For days, there have been lines of volunteers inside, eager to get to work and to lend a hand with the process and the product of Thanksgiving.  For days, our we have had caring people “up front” listening with tenderness to people who would not have Thanksgiving unless you gave.  Their tears were real – both those in need, and those giving back. Truly this is a day of Thanksgiving.

There has been a beautiful “circle of love” enveloping our place. We have been surrounded and supported by the generous hearts and hands of this community.  As you know, our work here simply is a reflection of your support. When you give, we give it away. As this Thanksgiving Day gets going, our refrigerators are full of turkeys, and our shelves are fully stocked with food. Truly this is a day of Thanksgiving.

Very early this morning, trucks filled with turkeys began to roll out of parking lots into various positions around the mission. Tables and chairs were moved, signs were installed, and everything was put into position for this important day. Truly this is a day of Thanksgiving.

We know that by 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, thousands of volunteers will come to deliver the food. Many will bring their families with them, teaching their children the importance of giving. Some will help us load turkeys into cars. Others will put together pre-cooked hot meals, and still more will serve a sit down meal to those who have no where else to be.  No matter the weather, or the effort required to be there or to serve, spirits will be high. There is joy in giving and helping. Some of these volunteers tell us that they have come full-circle.  At one time, they were the ones receiving the turkeys, and today, they will be the ones giving back.  Truly this is a day of Thanksgiving.

At the end of this day, when all has been said and done, we will look back on this day with satisfaction.  All across our community, families will be blessed, and they will bow their heads around kitchen tables and say a prayer of Thanksgiving.  Once again, those of us who were able to participate in some way, will experience the quiet joy of knowing that our common effort made a difference in the lives of our neighbors. As we lay down our head, just prior to falling asleep, perhaps we too will say. Truly this has been a day of Thanksgiving.

To God be the glory!