Turkeys for the Chelsea Thanksgiving Feast

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

Owner Ben Charwat with Rev. Gutierrez shaking hands after we delivered turkeys to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving in Chelsea.

We are always looking to serve our local community and helping with fire damage and water damage is not all we try to do. Giving back is very important to us, which is why we are always looking for areas of the greatest need with the communities we serve and try and do what we can.

After doing some research and making a few phone calls we were in touch with Saint Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church. We had heard they were having a hard time securing some turkeys for their Thanksgiving Day feast.  We called to speak to the man in charge Rev. Edgar A. Gutiérrez-Duarte Vicar. We had a lovely meeting with him, he showed us around the church and also introduced to his team of volunteers there to unload the truck for their weekly food pantry they run. They feed over 1000 people a month.

We asked specifically about the holiday season and the needs that increase during this time of the year. Rev.Gutierrez told us they were having trouble securing turkeys for their Thanksgiving day meal for the homeless. They have more than a 100 people that show up for this meal and rely on it as their only place a holiday meal. He told me that on years they are not able to secure turkeys the rest of the meal is sacrificed and not as elaborate due to the expense.

We answered the call and delivered all the turkeys to them this week. Knowing that their only meal for the day will be the best it can, and should be, is part of what makes our community great. Developing strong bonds and getting to know the people within it is the only way to make it better. Sure if you have fire damage, water damage, or a mold problem will be there to help. For ensuring safe buildings will help the community, but there are additional needs.

This pantry is the largest in the Chelsea area and services over 1100 people a month taking in over 5 tons of food a week. This helps provide for many familys that are just hanging on.

We were told that they have seen a decline in non-perishable food items. Such staples as rice, beans, peanut butters, dry cereal, nuts and many other such items. The revered is not sure why this decline is happening but it is affecting the community. Many rely on these items to give them the substance to the meals and provide essential proteins and nutrients that otherwise go missing.

If there is anything that any of you can do please reach out to him.

Saint Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church

201 Washington Ave

Chelsea MA 02150

617-884-3300