Urban Mission Ministries celebrated its fourth-annual Turkey on the Town event Tuesday evening at Froehlich’s Classic Corner. Members of the nonprofit organization’s staff, including Urban Thrift store manager Tiffany Beckwith and community engagement director Cynthia Lytle, mingled and interacted with guests throughout the evening. Sponsored by the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and Gulfport Energy Corp., the holiday feast consisted of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, ham, mixed vegetables and salad served buffet-style in the downstairs dining area of the Steubenville restaurant. Owner Greg Froehlich cut and served ham throughout the evening, speaking with all of the men, women and children in attendance. The guest list consisted of those who are staying in one of the mission’s three shelters. Beckwith stated officials estimated approximately 55 people to be in attendance and was pleased with the turnout at the start of the meal. Lytle explained the reasoning for the event, saying this annual holiday meal allows those working with the Urban Mission to gather together with shelter families and tell them in a way such as this that they are special. “We want to tell them in a special way that we love them and we care about them,” Lytle stated. “We want to share in fellowship with them and let them know that they are our family and we are here for them.” Guests appeared pleased with the chance to sit down with one another and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast which concluded with a piece of homemade pie.

— Julie Stenger