CLEVELAND — St. Augustine’s Center and Parish in the Tremont neighborhood is holding its 47th annual Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner for people who otherwise would be unable to have a Thanksgiving meal.
The breakfast, scheduled from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Merrick House in Tremont, had to be moved at the last minute to the church’s school building, but it didn’t stop hundreds of volunteers from showing up for those less fortunate.
“I brought my kids out today so they could appreciate everything they are blessed to have,” said Kim Montgomery, a first time volunteer. “Always lend a helping hand and be there for other people.”
Meals also will be delivered to and served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving at St. Colman (2027 W. 65th St.), Mary Queen of Peace (4423 Pearl Road) and St. Andrew Kim (2310 W. 14th St.) parishes, all in Cleveland.
In addition to providing meals at these parishes, 29 other hunger centers and nonprofit agencies in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Summit and Geauga counties have requested meal deliveries to ensure homeless and homebound people will receive a dinner.
Luis Gonzalez with the church asks anyone who would like to deliver to head to the Barons Arena in Parma. He said that’s an important part of the holiday.
“Everyone has such a busy life, and we forget those that are struggling, those that can’t get out, those that are shut in, those that can’t get out, those that are ill that can’t leave, and sometimes those people get lost in the cracks and here at St. Augustine we bring those people to light,” he said.
Anyone knowing of a location, person or family in need may request a meal delivery or a ride to a facility that provides the holiday meal by calling St. Augustine at 216-781-5530.
