MISSION: THANKSGIVING 
Requested donations:
Non-perishable food
Soft drinks and bottled water
Frozen deer or beef
Sleeping bag and blankets
New underwear, socks of all sizes for men, women, and children
Coats and clothing of all sizes for men, women, and children
Travel size personal hygiene items
Monetary donations

FRIDAY, Nov. 17
ABILENE
7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Arrow Ford, 4001 South First Street
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Mark Hewitt, executive director of Love & Care Ministries, 325-670-0246
MERKEL
When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 
Where: Love & Care Ministries Merkel facility, 906 N. Third St., Merkel 
CLYDE
When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Love & Care Ministries, 605 S. First St., Clyde
ANSON
7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Love & Care Ministries, 731 23rd St., Anson

By LORETTA FULTON

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

That old saying is especially true at Love & Care Ministries, Abilene’s one-stop service center for homeless and needy people. No matter the ups and downs of the economy, some people are always on the fringes. And that’s where Love & Care Ministries can be found serving those people. 

This year’s Mission: Thanksgiving in Abilene, Merkel, Clyde, and Anson will be held 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in all four locations. As always, the biggest drive of the year is extremely important, said Mark Hewitt, founder and executive director. 

“Food, cash and clothing are always the greatest needs, but we are seeing a large need for men’s clothing also,” Hewitt said. “Each community has many needs and is growing fast.”

Last year’s drive, also held in all four communities, netted the following:
$240,000 Cash donations
Coca Cola- $36,000 in drinks
Dr. Pepper/Pepsi- $55,207in drinks
2 1/2 18-wheelers of drinks and products
5 Trucks of clothing, coats, shoes & boots
4 ½ trucks of food 
1 ½ trucks of blankets and sleeping bags
1 truck of miscellaneous items

Monetary donations of $500 or more will ensure listing as a Wall of Love Sponsor. 

“But always remember, any donation, big or small, becomes a great blessing to those we serve,” Hewitt said. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene