Help feed others Thanksgiving Day

Lamb of God Church, on the border of Fort Myers and Estero, is about to launch another Thanksgiving miracle.

What started as a simple Thanksgiving meal for a few dozen people has grown into the largest Thanksgiving outreach program in Southwest Florida. In the past 10 years, this little Lutheran/Episcopal church has served over 65,000 Thanksgiving meals. Last year’s Feeding the 5,000, named after a miracle of Jesus, delivered more than 6,000 dinners to local families in need.

Feeding the 5,000 has blossomed into a communitywide effort led by Lamb of God Church, with over 700 volunteers cooking 450 turkeys and putting together 8,000 pounds of side dishes and deserts. More than 150 drivers make the home deliveries on Thanksgiving morning.

Feeding the 5,000 is an all-volunteer mission, with every penny raised going to feed families in need. Many of the volunteers come back every year to help. The joy of helping others brings out the best in those who participate.

Planning for the 2018 mission is well underway. If you are interested in supporting this tremendous community effort, you can volunteer or donate at our website, www.feedingthe5000.net. We need kitchen help, drivers and supervisors. What a great way to make your Thanksgiving celebration more joyous by helping others before you enjoy your own family feast.

Lamb of God Church is at 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, just off Estero Parkway.

Originally published in the Letters to the Editor, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 in the Naples Daily News.