ORLANDO, Fla. — Volunteers at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission were out in full force Wednesday preparing and serving meals to the needy during the mission's annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet.
By the end of the day, organizers expected to hand out as many as 1,300 meals.
The OURM opened the doors of the Men’s Center at the corner of Central Boulevard and Division Street at 11 a.m. and were prepared to serve meals until 2 p.m.
Along with food, volunteers gave out hygiene packs and other items donated by Central Florida schools, churches, businesses and residents.
Harols Miranda looks forward to the warm welcome and hot meal every year.
He’s one of hundreds enjoying a Thanksgiving plate.
“I’ve been over here 10 years in Orlando, and my life is up and down,” said Miranda.
He’s not alone.
“What we’ve seen is an increase in the number of homeless families,” said CEO of Orlando Union Rescue Mission Freddy Clayton.
He said more than 1,000 people will receive a holiday meal, and each year, the need increases.
“Any complex issue, like homelessness, I think there are a multitude of factors,” said Clayton.
The shelter will eventually move to make way for an Orlando Magic Entertainment Complex.
It could be rebuilt three blocks away on an empty space near Anderson Street and Terry Avenue.
“Wherever the city tells us, it’s where we’ll go. But we think we’ll be in a new facility by this time next year,” said Clayton.
For now, the focus is on giving thanks.
“It just makes you appreciate so much what you have at home,” said volunteer Monique Millet.
Cox Media Group
