Volunteers Gear Up to Serve Thousands at Haven of Mercy's Annual Thanksgiving Feast

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Haven of Mercy Ministries is gearing up to host its 49th annual Thanksgiving Day meal, a cherished tradition that serves the local community.

In anticipation of the event, over 100 dedicated volunteers are busily preparing to serve between 2,000 to 4,000 individuals. Their efforts ensure that everyone attending receives a hearty meal on this special day.

Jason Grindstaff, a newcomer to the volunteer team at Haven of Mercy Ministries, eagerly anticipates participating in his first Thanksgiving Day meal with the organization.

“It fills me with warmth,” Grindstaff shared. “Being able to contribute to the community and assist others is incredibly rewarding. It’s truly a blessing to be part of this experience.”

News Channel 11 went to Wednesday’s preparation. While there, volunteers were preparing the dessert together. Around 1,000 slices of pie will be ready for Thursday.

“We do not only feed on Thanksgiving. We also deliver to the jail in Unicoi. We take plates to them,” pastor and CEO of Haven of Mercy Grant Rockley said. “We serve, take meals to a lot of the apartment blocks around here where the elderly and anybody that comes in that can’t get here to eat on Thanksgiving Day, we’ll deliver a meal to them.”

Rockley said every year the need from community members continues to grow, but the nonprofit is always available to help, especially during the holiday season.

“I’ve never seen so many people looking for a place to live or stay, hungry. It’s when we see more homeless on the streets than I’ve ever seen in the time I’ve been here,” Rockley said.

Rockley said it is a wonderful feeling getting to help those who need a meal or a place to go for the holiday. Rockley said once Thanksgiving is over, Haven of Mercy will begin planning for Christmas as well.

Thursday’s event will be open to the public; no reservations are needed.

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Volunteers Gear Up to Serve Thousands at Haven of Mercy’s Annual Thanksgiving Feast

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