Rescue Mission Men Give Back One Plate At A Time

The Rescue Mission is preparing to feed hundreds of hungry people for its annual Thanksgiving Feast Wednesday.

It’s a tradition for the men in the recovery program to work day and night, cooking everything from turkey to cranberry sauce.

On Monday, the men in the recovery program took a break from cooking to sit down and each lunch.

Samson Anderson-Magazino has been in the program for 40 days and is looking forward to this Thanksgiving.

“Seeing all the families that come through and whatnot, it gives you a warm feeling inside to be able to give back like that,” he said.

The Rescue Mission is expecting at least 300 to come and eat. That was a cause for concern when, just last week, it only had 20 turkeys donated.

But the community stepped in and now more than 150 turkeys are ready to be served up with all the fixings.

“That’s another turkey down,” said Daniel Osti, as he crossed off a number on the turkey count chart.

Osti is a graduate of the recovery program and is now the kitchen supervisor.

The men said cooking together helps them bond during their recovery, which helps get their lives back on track.

“It’s just a really tight brotherhood. I have some friends that I was out on the streets with before this and now I’m here with them and it just made us a lot closer,” said Anderson-Magazino.

The men at the helm in the kitchen are ready to give back, one plate at a time.

“When I was out there in my addiction, it was all about take, take, take. And now it’s an opportunity to give. And you can really feel it from the heart when these guys give from their heart and they’re really enjoying giving back to the community,” said Osti.

The Thanksgiving meal will be served Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.

The Rescue Mission is still in need of donations. For more information, click here.