Thanksgiving Charity - Union Gospel Needs Pies

There's no way around it - Union Gospel Mission desperately needs pie! Lots of pie. Pumpkin if possible.

The mission - whose self-stated purpose is "feeling the hungry, restoring the addict and loving our neighbor - is preparing to serve 1,300 dinners on Thanksgiving.

They have much of what they need - 100 turkeys, 300 pounds of mashed potatoes, 300 pounds of stuffing, and 60 gallons of gravy.

They are lacking desert.

"We want our guests to feel like we have given them our very best, so we are making many of the dishes from scratch and want it to be the best quality," said Lori Quinney, food service coordinator at Union Gospel Mission. "We are short on pies this year, so it would be great if people could donate pumpkin pies."

Pies can be dropped off at 3 NW Third Avenue in Portland. Union Gospel Mission is also seeking financial support for Thanksgiving events. Donations can be made online at www.ugmportland.org or mailed to 3 NW Third Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209.

On Thursday, Union Gospel Mission close off the street on Northwest Third Avenue between Burnside and Couch Streets from 10 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. and setting up a 120-foot long tent loaned by Northwest Natural Gas.

Tables will be set up inside the tent and volunteers will serve guests a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This is a free event and open to anyone in need. The event will also feature live music.

Photo courtesy Union Gospel Mission