It takes a community to feed the community, and while many people donate their time and money during the holidays, still more help is needed.
Events like the Great Thanksgiving Banquet at the Good News Rescue Mission call attention to how our community can step up and make a difference in someones life.
For the 14th year in a row, the Good News Rescue Mission has provided a warm meal, coats, and a turkey basket to those in need.
“We did 500 food baskets plus 1000 meals and yet there are still more people in need,” Sharre Whitson of the Good News Rescue Mission.
Tough times put the Mission in a bit of a predicament. As need goes up, the number of volunteers and donations go down. But a select few people make an extra effort.
“We just donated because there are so many people in need nowadays,” said Robyn Snow.
In addition to starting a food drive in her office, snow regularly volunteers at the Mission.
“People just don't realize they could be one pay check away from needing help,” said Snow.
When 7-year-old Audrey Bull realized people were suffering, she did her part.
“I decided to do a share the warmth coat drive,” said Audrey.
On Wednesday she gave away 200 coats, including one of her own.
“I felt really joyful… that made me really happy,” said Audrey.
But local sponsors like Shasta Regional Medical Center also do their part by cooking and volunteering.
“The community supports the hospital and we support the community and we try to do it in every way that the community asks us to,” said Randall Hempling, CEO of Shasta Regional Medical Center.
But the Mission says as much as these people give, they cant make a difference everyday, which is why more help is needed.
“You can make a difference by volunteering, you can make a difference by donating a turkey,” said Whitson.
Participating in Thursday’s Turkey Trot is a good first step. The race donates about $20,000 to the Good News Rescue Mission.
