Mission Arlington Gearing Up For Thanksgiving Meal Distribution

Press release from the City of Arlington:

November 23, 2020

Not even the coronavirus pandemic can stop Mission Arlington. The nonprofit is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution, in a year when the need is greater than ever. Last year, Mission Arlington gave away 6,000 meals, and that number will likely be even larger this year.

"We do cooked meals, uncooked meals and a seated dinner for those who have no place to be," said Mission Arlington Executive Director Tillie Burgin.

It's a monumental task made possible by hundreds of volunteers. They've been hard at work cooking and packing meals, but the work isn't done. More volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving morning to distribute the food. Burgin says COVID-19 safety protocols are in place to keep volunteers and recipients safe.

"We're not inside. You'll get the turkeys and boxes put in your cars, then you'll go straight to the property," Burgin explained. "We'll have masks in place, distancing. Basically, you'll spend a lot of time in your car."

While this year's giveaway will look different, the spirit remains unchanged. "We don't want anything, logistics, to take away from the joy of giving...God gave, put this in place, and we want to represent him."

How You Can Help:

• If you're able to donate, Mission Arlington is collecting turkeys and other food items. You can drop off donations at Mission Arlington headquarters, located at 400 W. South Street. Click here for more information.
• If you're able to volunteer, meet at Mission Arlington (400 W. South Street) at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2020. Please bring a mask. All activities will be held outside, and most volunteers will not need to leave their cars. Click here for more information.

• Support Youth and Families
• Coronavirus
• MyArlingtonTV

• News
• Headlines
• Community

This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.