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Urban Mission seeks support to help hungry at holiday time

‘BETTER TOGETHER’ — Embracing a “Better Together” philosophy in helping those in need at Thanksgiving are Urban Mission Ministries staff members Tiffany Beckwith, center, dressed as Thom Turkey, and clockwise, from left, Terrence Rainbow; Amber Wade; Cynthia Lytle; the Rev. Ashley Steele, executive director; and Vanessa Slappy. The mission is continuing to welcome gifts of $35 or more to provide a family with a hearty Thanksgiving feast and leftovers. -- Janice Kiaski

STEUBENVILLE — Tiffany Beckwith hasn’t had a lot of what-to-wear issues lately in the workplace.

The community engagement director at Urban Mission Ministries has been donning a turkey outfit — personalized with orange pumps — to spread an important message in a light-hearted way.

Whether it’s before an audience of schoolchildren or a community organization or church, Thom Turkey — or in this case, Tiffany Turkey — talks turkey.

In recent days, Beckwith had five bookings at schools to address preschool and elementary-age pupils.

“I read a little story about being thankful and how we’re better together when we work to end hunger, and then we will do the chicken dance,” Beckwith said, noting she is available for visits to schools, businesses, churches and organizations. Each visit includes a special presentation geared to the group about ending hunger along with a photo opportunity.

Arrangements can be made by calling the “turkey line” at (740) 282-8010 or by sending an e-mail to Beckwith at tbeckwith@urbanmission.org.

The Rev. Ashley Steele, executive director of Urban Mission Ministries, said tradition calls for the newest employee to get turkey-outfit duty/honors.

“It’s a fun way that we can just get out into the community to meet with all ages and share about what we do here, especially around the holidays,” Steele said. “We have been known to wear the turkey costume in some pretty interesting places, and it is a way we can get the word out in a unique way,” Steele said.

The word is that the mission needs about $60,000 as part of its holiday fundraising effort to provide food needs, according to Steele. The mission continues to accept a gift of $35 or more with donations mailed via check to 301 N. Fifth St., Steubenville OH 43952; online at www.urbanmission.org; or in person.

“A $35 donation will provide for a family not only for a special holiday meal, but also with other food to provide for their daily needs,” Steele said. “We try to do a few extra things this time of year because we know the holidays are meaningful, and food is always included in the celebrations.”

The mission already has been handing out Thanksgiving food.

“We had 402 families come through this week alone,” Steele said, referring to the week of Nov. 5. “We expect that to continue for the next few weeks, so getting the word out about how important our fundraising efforts are and just raising awareness for hunger is especially important around this time of the year.”

It anticipates assisting around 1,200 families.

“We are thankful for the community because they do support us this time of year,” Steele said. “I think everyone realizes it does take all of us working together to end hunger. ‘We’re Better Together’ is turning into a year-long theme of working together, and when we do, the reality is it is better, and not only that, but I think it’s how God intended it, that we do support each other and lean on each other,” Steele added.

Donations of food items also are appreciated, she said. Canned goods and other nonperishable items can be dropped off at the mission.

Volunteers to help the week of Thanksgiving with preparation and assistance the day of the mission’s Thanksgiving meal also are being sought. The holiday meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Unity Kitchen.

For information, call (740) 282-8010.

(Kiaski can be contacted at jkiaski@heraldstaronline.com.)

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