Posted November 08, 2024
Individuals and families are encouraged to register now for free holiday meals to be delivered to their homes on November 28
CLEVELAND, OHIO – November 8, 2024 – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, is gearing up to prepare and distribute 12,000 holiday meals through its annual St. Augustine Hunger Center Thanksgiving meals campaign. Catholic Charities will provide holiday meals free to the community both on-site in Tremont and through free home delivery across greater Cleveland by volunteers.
“One in seven people across Northeast Ohio is food insecure,” said Fredy Robles, chief program officer of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. “Caring for unmet needs in our communities is a top priority at Catholic Charities, and we embrace the holidays especially as important opportunities to touch the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
Elk & Elk Co. Ltd., Barons Bus, Northern Haserot, and local parishes annually contribute generous food donations and volunteerism to Catholic Charities' Thanksgiving meals campaign, and the Cleveland Browns will do the same in 2024.
To receive a home-delivered meal on November 28
Community members interested in receiving free home-delivered holiday meals are asked to register now by calling 216-377-3725 or emailing holidays@ccdocle.org. Required information includes: name, phone number, address and number of meals requested. Catholic Charities accepts meal delivery reservations until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25. Delivery will take place on November 28 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
To join the Thanksgiving meal service at St. Augustine Hunger Center
Community members are also invited to visit the St. Augustine Hunger Center on November 28 for a special holiday meal service. Thanksgiving meals will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. onsite at 1400 Howard Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. Catholic Charities will provide hot meals for distribution through approximately 15 community partner agencies that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.
To serve as a volunteer
Catholic Charities organizes hundreds of volunteers annually to assist with the Thanksgiving meal service and the delivery out into the community. Individuals who would like to volunteer for Thanksgiving 2024 can visit ccdocle.org/holidaymeals to view and sign up for available opportunities. Registration is required and closes on November 25 to volunteer.
“Thanksgiving can be a difficult and stressful time for individuals and families who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. We are grateful for the gracious support of vital partners and volunteers who spend their holiday joining in service at the St. Augustine Hunger Center,” said Eric Milkie, director of emergency assistance services at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.
During the 2024 holiday season, individuals and families across Northeast Ohio can also join in making a monetary gift at ccdocle.org/donate. Learn more about Catholic Charities’ community hot meals provided year-round at sites across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties at ccdocle.org.
ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND:
As one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in Northeast Ohio, Catholic Charities carries out the healing and helping mission of Jesus across the Diocese of Cleveland. Catholic Charities delivers 150 services at 60 locations to 400,000 individuals each year – providing help and creating hope for people of every race and religion throughout eight counties: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne. For more information, visit www.ccdocle.org.
Media contact: Rebecca Gallant, 216.318.0518, rebecca.gallant@ccdocle.org
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
