Bertha’s Mission preparing for 9th annual community Thanksgiving dinner

BEDFORD – Thanksgiving is the time of the year to reflect on what we are most thankful for and a time to spend with our family. But for many individuals within Lawrence County and surrounding communities, a warm meal and interaction with others are not available.

Bertha’s Mission is set to host their 9th annual free community Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 20th, 2021, a program that began as a way to help community members and individuals who need it most.

“There are a lot of people going through so much that we are not aware of, we won’t know unless we ask,” said Janice Nickeo-Pendergrass Executive Director and Founder of Bertha’s Mission. “Having a good meal is good for the soul, which is exactly what we are here for.”

Nickeo-Pendergrass shared what she felt needed to be done by those who are willing and able to help those who need it.

This year’s meal will be drive-through and home delivery this year.

“Check on family members and neighbors, check in with your friends. We are unaware of a person’s circumstances unless we go and check on them. Many people who volunteered with us last year were unaware that their neighbors didn’t have a meal,” said Nickeo-Pendergrass. “They didn’t have anyone to count on for a meal because they assumed that they were ok. We need to do our part and check on one another.”

This will be the second year with a drive-through format with multiple locations and with the ability to learn from the past year, Nickeo-Pendergrass said the best way to prepare is by planning ahead.

“It’s always easy with planning. We started preparing earlier than usual for this year’s event because with multiple locations for community members to pick up these meals, we aren’t sure what to really expect,” Nickeo-Pendergrass remarked. “We were able to get the word out early with Facebook posts and social media engagement. We also put out flyers and yard signs which has really helped to get the word out faster.”

The Community Thanksgiving drive-through and home deliveries will take place on November 20th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. There will be five locations to pick up your Thanksgiving meal.

Those locations are:

  • Sherwood Oaks Christian Church Bedford – 508 Fellowship Drive, Bedford
  • First Baptist Church – 1515 20th Street, Bedford
  • Mitchell First Church of God – 405 North 5th Street, Mitchell
  • Dive Christian Church – 892 Peerless Rd, Bedford
  • Turning Point Church of the Nazarene – 45 Jefferson Street, Heltonville

Bertha’s Mission is still looking for volunteers to sign up now to help with the multiple locations. Visit the Bertha’s Mission Facebook event page to learn more and help with this event.

Those wanting home deliveries need to start making requests as the last day to request a home delivery is November 17th by 3:00 p.m. To make a request for home delivery call 317-480-0085 or 812-318-1509.

Due to the several locations of the drive-through and home delivery options, the need for volunteers is greatly needed at all of the locations. They also need volunteers to make home deliveries.

Donations for unprepared food are also needed. The following items are needed for this year’s event:

  • Turkeys
  • Hams
  • Whole kernel corn
  • Canned Green beans
  • Stuffing mix
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Canned Yams
  • Desserts
  • Aluminum steam table pans (size 21X13X3) are requested. They can be found at Sam’s Club.

Items donated need to be to Bertha’s Mission by November 15th so they can be cooked and prepared for the dinner.

Bertha’s Mission is anticipating to serve over 1,200 meals on the 20th. If you or someone you know is in need of a meal for Thanksgiving, don’t hesitate to call or head to one of the locations. These meals will be ready and waiting for you and Bertha’s Mission is ready for those who need it.

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