Light of Life Rescue Mission prepares Thanksgiving meals for more than 1,000 people in need
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- On this cold, rainy Thanksgiving, there's an aromatic warmth.
Don Waite, a volunteer at Light of Life, thought they'd be cooking around 550 pounds of green beans as part of preparing meals for the needy this Thanksgiving.
Waite has been volunteering at the Light of Life Rescue Mission during this time of year for 28 years. It's an early wake-up call.
"I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning," Waite said. "Finally, get in here about 4:30."
And when he does? There's a lot of spinning and steam in this kitchen.
"The heroes are the people who work here," Waite said.
At Light of Life, the staff and volunteers are working to carry on a tradition. It's one of turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes.
"Everything that you would want for a Thanksgiving dinner," Doug Smith, Assistant Executive Director for Light of Life, said.
That includes dessert. They're filling meals to fill voids.
"We understand that hope begins with a meal," Smith said. "You know, that's been our saying for over 70 years now."
And year after year, the vessels of that hope? They keep returning for more.
"I am so much more blessed by doing this and being able to contribute to everything that's going on here," Waite said.
Light of Life will also give 500 winter coats to the homeless on Thursday as well, and with the big chill coming this weekend, it's very timely.
