MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly 1,000 homes in the Muskegon area will have a full Thanksgiving meal this week thanks to the Muskegon Rescue Mission’s meal distribution ministry.

The mission gave out frozen turkeys and all the necessary sides for a full Thanksgiving spread over the course of Monday and Tuesday evening. 

It’s a massive logistical effort, but worth it for those involved.

“We partner with about 15 churches. Each one of them collecting hundreds of a specific item,” Melissa Boughner, Assistant Executive Director of Finance for the mission told News 8. “That’s just how we do things. How can we go above and beyond to show people they are loved?”

A crowd of volunteers handled the distribution as people in need filed through the Muskegon Rescue Mission’s Community Resource Center to select their custom Thanksgiving elements. One volunteer said it’s all about that interaction. 

“Grateful. Just happy to be a part of this,” Emily Klein said. “Going through the line and meeting other people and being a part of the community today as part of the holidays, I know it’s impactful.”

Even folks moving through the line themselves were thinking about others as the holiday approaches. For everyone involved, it’s about more than the meal.

“It’s a blessing,” Muskegon resident Marcus Roberson said. “Some people might not have families, or somebody might have passed, or anything could be going on. It just kind of warms your heart up. It gives you a better feeling and hope about yourself.”

The Muskegon Rescue Mission also added that they have space at their women’s, men’s and family shelters for people who need a place to stay this week, in addition to their pantry and thrift store ministries. 

If you would like to help their work, a donation of just $2.07 is enough to fund one meal at the mission for someone who may otherwise miss it. You can donate and find more information at the Muskegon Rescue Mission website.