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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lillian Prince
Media Liaison
Phone: 240-432-5937
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Once Again, Central Union Mission Brings Joy
and Hope to the Needy on Thanksgiving
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Central Union Mission will serve their annual Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, November 23, to people experiencing homelessness and living in poverty during these challenging economic times. Recent reports indicate that homelessness is on the rise in our region and many of our community members have had their food stamps reduced since the COVID pandemic swept the nation. We are anticipating even greater need this year.
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This holiday marks the beginning of a season that adds stress to households who find it difficult to afford food on a day-to-day basis. According to Mission President & CEO Joe Mettimano, “Our homeless brothers and sisters aren’t the only ones who are feeling it this time around. Those who live below the poverty line, and those who live paycheck to paycheck without money to spare, are all affected by the rising cost of food. I’m grateful that Central Union Mission will provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with all the fixings, for those who had nowhere else to turn.”
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A festive, family-style celebration lunch will be served at 12:00 noon, and a similar dinner at 4:00 pm at our Men’s Emergency Shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave. NW. In addition to the donors and sponsors who contributed to the day’s event, over 40 volunteers will be on-site to decorate the facility, and to host and serve the meal. Prior to Thanksgiving, our family resource center will be distributing hundreds of turkeys and hams, along with trimmings, to families in need.
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“This is really the most important holiday of the year for Central Union Mission. Hospitality is what we do best,” said Mission President & CEO Joe Mettimano, “and there’s a reason for that: We still believe ‘hope begins with a meal.’ A full belly might be all it takes to encourage someone to take a step in the right direction and we offer programs that help get people to a better place in life.”
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In preparation for this year’s holiday, Central Union Mission is accepting turkey, ham, and whole chicken donations to serve and distribute to people in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Comprehensive Family Resource Center (3194 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Suite B, M – F, 9 am – 3:30 pm) through Nov. 22. Gift cards are also appreciated.
PHOTO and INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Mission resident interviews, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Joseph J. Mettimano, President & CEO, Central Union Mission
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Please see this dropbox link for b-roll footage, prior Thanksgiving photos and guest quotes
Media is invited to attend. RSVP requested. Please contact Lillian Prince, at 240-432-5937 or lprince@missiondc.org for information.
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About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a four-star charity, Candid awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award.
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