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It's that special time of year again when the weather is cooler, the days are shorter, and my heart is filled with love for everyone. Yes, I'm alluding to the fact that Mission Thanksgiving is right around the corner on November 18th at Arrow Ford 4001 S 1st St.

Mission Thanksgiving benefiting the Love and Care Ministries is an awesome event that brings us all together for one common cause, to help those that are in need. As I am always grateful for everything I have I know that I have fellow West Texans that don't have what they need.

LOOK: This Is What Mission Thanksgiving Is All About, A Community Working Together

So, it's time we all start emptying our closets of those gently worn items we no longer need. Plus, we can all use a little more room in our pantries as we begin to clear out those nonperishable food items we all thought we needed but have not used them or items that we over-stocked our pantries with.

So let's donate everything we can no longer use and let's put them to good use at the Mission Love and Care Ministries. Right now in my pantry, I know there are at least several cases of top ramen noodles and a dozen cans of soups that sounded like a good idea a few months ago. So, now I'll be donating them to Mission Thanksgiving.

Pastor Mark Hewitt says that "the past 23 years of Mission Thanksgiving, the donors of Abilene and the Big Country have been amazing." He went on to ask every one to consider once again helping them reach the homeless and the poor by being a "Wall of Love Sponsor" with a donation of $500 or more. But always remember, any donation big or small is a great blessing to those we serve.
Source: Pastor Mark Hewitt & Associate Dir. Zack Hewitt

If you are wondering what is good to donate here's a list I've come up with use your imagination and if it's still wearable (as we all like to say gently worn) and in good condition please donate it.

Ideas of things you can donate:

  • Cash or check donations
  • Dried beans
  • Dried rice
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned soups
  • Cases of bottled water
  • Any non-perishable food item
  • Coats and jackets
  • Thermal undergarments
  • Sleeping bags
  • Blankets
  • Socks and underwear
  • Footwear of all kinds
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Children's toys

This year is extra special as Love and Care Ministries has added a new facility just northwest of Abilene in Anson. The new facility opened in August and has had many volunteers and more importantly, a lot of people are coming in seeking help from the Ministries.

This year will be the 24th annual Mission Thanksgiving and will go from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM. While most donations we've asked for are of non-perishable food items there will be a refrigerated truck at Arrow Ford that day if you would like to donate frozen meats like deer or cow.

LOOK: Check Out This Pumpkin Paradise in Texas

LOOK: Classic Signs You Still See Around Abilene

These signs are still standing in and around the Abilene area. Many of the businesses are still going too.