Blessings Abound on Day of Thanks

On Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, dozens of volunteers, Mission staff, and local leaders gathered to celebrate our 20th Annual Day of Thanks by providing hundreds of complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. With the help of many generous donors, dozens of our food pantry recipients and families of our residents received Thanksgiving baskets filled with turkeys and all the trimmings to take home to their own dinner tables.

Mission president and C.E.O. John Samaan welcomed many local leaders and honored guests, including: Deval L. Patrick, Governor, Sonia Chang-Díaz, State Senator, Joshua Wall, Chair, Massachusetts Parole Board, Luis Spencer, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Corrections, Aaron Gornstein, Undersecretary, Department of Housing and Community Development, James Greene, Director, Boston's Emergency Shelter Commission. Prior to the speaking portion of the event, professional magician Matias Letelier wowed the crowd with tricks and illusions to the delight of all.

Local leaders, volunteers, and Mission staff members teamed up to distribute 1,875 pounds of turkey, 380 pounds of potatoes, 100 pounds of butternut squash, 225 pounds of sweet potatoes, 100 pounds of peas, 250 pounds of stuffing, 20 gallons of gravy, 400 dinner rolls, 50 pounds of salad, 40 pounds of cranberry sauce, 175 assorted pies, and 25 gallons of apple cider.

Families of Mission residents and community members receive food from Gov. Patrick and local leaders
Courtesy Eric Haynes, Governor's Office

Hundreds of churches, businesses, schools, and individuals contributed valuable gifts of time, food, and financial resources for the day. We are very grateful for contributions from Capital Grille, Greater Boston Food Bank, Lovin' Spoonfuls, Starwood Hotels, TD Garden, Nixon Peabody LLP, Appleton Partners, Inc., Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, Third Sector New England, IHS, WTAS, Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company.

Our food needs continue to rise throughout the holidays and beyond. For more information about donating your time or food items to the Mission, please contact our volunteer coordinators at volunteer@brm.org or 617-338-9000, x1230. Thank you for your compassion and may you receive many blessings in the coming months!