It's not too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving, says Pastor Dr. Newton Hoilette of the Lehigh Seventh-Day Adventist church at 190 Homestead Rd S. in Lehigh Acres. In a letter to community leaders and members of his church, Hoilettte said that "2010 has been a devastating year for the people who live in Southwest Florida due to the recent financial crisis."
"As the holiday season approaches many families will not be able to celebrate in the tradition of the season because they are suffering from food shortages, loss of homes due to foreclosures, and loss of jobs. This had had a traumatic impact on the Lehigh Acres community," Hoilette said.
As a result the church has asked for donations of Thanksgiving foods and financial gifts in the community and are planning a free Thanksgiving dinner for everyone on Nov. 25. It will be held at the 190 Homestead Rd. S. address from noon to 2 p.m.
"Our mission is to feed the needy and hungry," Hoilette said.
"The Community Services Department, a ministry of our Seventh Day Adventist Church, would like to help these individuals in need during the holiday season. We want to partner with community organizations to provide a Thanksgiving dinner and distribute gifts during the holiday season to the needy families in Lehigh Acres.
So as of this week, Hoilette is asking people who are willing to donate money and/or food to contact Josephine Wilson at 239-303-2633. Those in the community who may feel like helping may also send donations to Lehigh SDA Church, 190 Homestead Rd. S., Lehigh Acres, FL. 33936.
In a pamphlet being passed out by the church, it notes that all are welcome, visitors, family, neighbors anyone alone who wants to have a good meal and great fellowship on Thanksgiving. Please come and bring a friend."
