Old Savannah city mission feeds hundreds before Thanksgiving

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Old Savannah City Mission served warm meals and distributed clothing to hundreds of people Saturday as part of its annual Great Day of Thanksgiving event.

Volunteers sorted clothes, carved turkeys and passed out meals to neighbors in need.

“The Great Day of Thanksgiving is just an event we put on every year to give back to the community,” said Jermaine Ray, program director at Old Savannah City Mission.

This year, organizers said federal cuts nearly left the mission short on supplies.

“We weren’t getting the proper amount of food that we usually get. So, we put it out there that we needed turkeys and all this year,” Ray said.

The call for help drew an outpouring of support. The community donated 100 turkeys in just two days.

“That’s a blessing for us to see that the community knows what we’re doing here and cares enough to come and help us out in a time of need,” Ray said.

Ray said he hopes everyone who stops by leaves knowing they are supported.

“We just hope that the individuals come out today and get the things that they need,” he said.

The old Savannah city mission will host a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day from 3 to 5 p.m., offering hot meals and winter items to those who need them.

“Get a good meal and some items that they might need to get them through the wintertime,” Ray said.