OKLAHOMA CITY -
Families
across Oklahoma celebrated Thanksgiving at home with their families on Thursday. It
was also a busy holiday at a metro homeless shelter where hundreds of people in
need were fed.
More than 300 people in need
enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the Jesus House downtown. Dozens of volunteers were on
hand to feed anyone who was hungry. And new this year, they even
had a special treat for their four-legged friends.
"It's like everything
that happens at our houses, just on a whole different level," Jesus House
Executive Director Rick Denny said.
The cooking and prepping
started well before midnight at the Jesus House, where volunteers were ready
for hundreds hungry for a Thanksgiving dinner.
"The volunteers that come here
and serve on holidays feel the same way as we do," Denny said. "This is the
place to be for us when it's a holiday."
This holiday was also a treat
for pets with homeless owners.
"What we know is with the
elderly and with the homeless, their pets are so important to them. Many times
that's the only family they have," OKC Pet Food Pantry Founder Kim Pempin
said.
Those furry family members
were taken care of by about 30 volunteers while their owners were served
inside.
"What they're doing is,
they're taking a pet and they're responsible for that pet to walk around to
each of the stations. They love on them and feed them lunch," Pempin said.
Those with the OKC pet food
clinic and Mann's Food Pantry set up the drop-off center. The Spot Clinic even offered
low-cost vaccinations and vouchers for other services. And donated pet food went home
with grateful owners.
"I mean it is
Thanksgiving and we have all these people here giving their time because they
love the homeless. They love the animals. This right here shows what this
community's like," Pempin said.
The Jesus House is reopening
its doors for dinner Thursday night. It's also helped more than
1,300 low income families with Thanksgiving groceries this week.
The OKC Pet Food
Clinic plans to partner with The Jesus House again at Christmas.
For more information or to volunteer, go to www.Jesushouseokc.org or www.petfoodpantryokc.org
More than 300 people in need enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the Jesus House downtown.
