22nd ANNUAL MISSION: THANKSGIVING 2020
ITEMS NEEDED
Monetary Donations
Frozen Meat
Non-perishable Food (Pop top cans are very good)
Socks
Underwear & Thermal Underwear
Boots & Shoes
Coats
Blankets & Sleeping BagsBottled Water & Other Drinks
Toys
SCHEDULE
Monday, Nov. 16 – Thursday, Nov. 19
7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Love and Care Ministries
(325) 670-0246233 Fannin Street
Abilene, Texas 79603
http://www.lcmin.com
FRIDAY, Nov. 20
Arrow Ford
4001 South 1st Street
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Mark Hewitt, executive director of Love & Care Ministries, 325-670-0246

EIGHTH ANNUAL MERKEL EVENT
When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
Where: Love & Care Ministries Merkel facility, 906 N. 3rd St., Merkel 
FIFTH ANNUAL CLYDE EVENT 
When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
Where: Love & Care Ministries, 605 S. 1st St., Clyde

By LORETTA FULTON

Like so many other events locally and nationally, Mission: Thanksgiving will have a new format this year in addition to the event that is familiar to many Abilenians. 

Since 1999, Love & Care Ministries has held Mission: Thanksgiving on the parking lot of Arrow Ford on the Friday before Thanksgiving. That event will be held again this year on Friday, Nov. 20, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drop-offs will be accepted at the Love & Care Ministries office, 233 Fannin St., Monday-Thursday, Nov. 16-19. On those days, goods and/or cash can be dropped off at the Love & Care Ministries office, but not at Arrow Ford. The event at Arrow Ford will be held only on Friday, Nov. 20. 

Mark Hewitt, founder and executive director of Love & Care Ministries, said the new format may continue in the future if it proves popular this year.

“It very well could be the game plan for the future,” Hewitt said. “We’re going to go from day to day.” 

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Similar events also are held at the Clyde and Merkel locations of Love & Care Ministries. In those communities, Mission: Thanksgiving will be held only on Friday, Nov. 20, with drop-offs at the facilities, 906 N. 3rd St. in Merkel and 605 S. 1st St. in Clyde.  

This year, cash, winter coats, sleeping bags, and food are needed. No street clothes are needed because of a surplus. 

“Food is crucial,” Hewitt said.

The 2019 event gathered 11 trailers of clothing, blankets, coats, food, drinks, and water. And, more than $200,00 was donated.

“All done with a tremendous work of the community,” Hewitt said. 

Mission: Thanksgiving 2019 photos courtesy Arrow Ford