City Mission to Serve Thanksgivng Meals BUFFALO (wned) - Since the recession hit, more people have been seeking help from local shelters...including the Buffalo City Mission.

On Thursday, a thousand Thanksgiving dinners will be served at the Mission's Cornerstone Manor for Women and Children, and the Men's Center on Tupper Street.

Not only is the City Mission serving dinner at its two facilities, staff and volunteers will be delivering Thanksgiving dinner to 3,500 homebound families and seniors.

Executive Director Stuart Harper says year over year, there's been a dramatic increase in people seeking help. Demand is up for food, clothing, and housing and both Mission shelters are full. But Harper says their doors remain open.

"I just bought a 100 cots through a grant that I got...we won't turn anybody away," Harper said.

Normally there's a lull over the summer, but Harper says this year that didn't happen.

"They didn't leave in the summer. They stayed with us," he said.

Last winter the Mission had to close its pantry 3-times because they ran out of food. Harper says he's hopeful the recent "Extreme Food Drive" will prevent that, but he says considering Buffalo is the third poorest city in the nation, the need will continue to be great.

Donations of food and clothing are accepted at the City Mission's Community Center on Tupper Street downtown.
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