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As the economic downturn has stretched on, the face of the needy has changed.
The needy are not only the homeless. They are the jobless, people living paycheck to paycheck and even the lonely. Thousands of such people were fed Thanksgiving Day as Fort Wayne organizations provided free turkey dinners.
Downtown at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, people were lined up before the doors opened, eager to eat a warm meal in a warm building. The church, at 1101 S. Lafayette St., has been providing free meals on Thanksgiving for 31 years, according to Pat McBride, dinner chairman.
Between 700 and 800 meals were prepared Thursday for dine-in and carry-out, an increase of about 200 from last year, McBride said.
"I’ve got to say it’s the economic times this year," McBride said. "It’s easy to walk by that homeless person; … but here, you come face to face."
At the end of the day, McBride estimated fewer than 100 meals had gone uneaten – but the leftovers would not go to waste. Those meals will be distributed this weekend; the church’s soup kitchen provides meals daily to the needy.
"This year we just have so many more homeless people and people who have lost their jobs," said volunteer Irene Winkler, 67, of Leo. "We have so much to be grateful for. It’s definitely a family affair."
This was Winkler’s sixth year volunteering, and this time she brought some help along – including her three granddaughters. Taylor Schleinkofer, 9, helped put whipped cream on pies.
"I like coloring," she said. "I helped color the placemats."
As local residents gathered, they ate at round tables, shared conversation and enjoyed live holiday entertainment provided by vocalists. Anne Medina of Fort Wayne came to the meal with her son and his friend. She said the meal was a welcome opportunity to eat with others.
"All of it, … it’s just absolutely wonderful," she said. "The food’s good. No one is going to go out without having enough."
About 250 volunteers helped prepare and serve the holiday meal, which included handing out second helpings and desserts as people tried to clear their plates. Antonio King, 36, of Fort Wayne has been volunteering for 15 years, doing a "little bit of everything." King said his father got him involved, and since his father’s death last year, the importance of this day has grown.
"He wanted us to give back to the community. Once I did it, I really enjoyed it," King said. "I’m trying to keep the torch burning. It just feels it’s the right thing to do – to give back."
Tonia Ansorg of Fort Wayne enjoyed some warm food and said she could not give enough thanks for the meal.
"God bless them. God bless America, because there are people out there who still care," she said.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church was not the only place to get a free meal on Thanksgiving. At the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St., also downtown, meals were prepared for 3,200 people, according to Carlton Smith, volunteer coordinator.
Just over 2,300 meals were served; the remaining food will be used over the weekend. The mission hands out three meals a day to the needy, every day of the year.
On average, the mission gives out 200 to 350 meals per day. This year, that daily total has averaged between 350 and 500 meals, Smith said.
"The bad economy trickles down into so many areas," he said. "A lot of times people can pay their budget but decrease their food budget."
Both locations offered traditional meals with turkey and all the fixings: rolls, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, vegetables and various types of dessert – including pumpkin pie.
Needs within the community are expected to continue to increase through the holiday season, Smith said. In particular, donations to the mission’s Bargains Galore thrift shop, 2203 S. Lafayette St., are essential. Donations can be made by visiting the store or by calling the mission at 426-7357.
