Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in Northeast Ohio, is gearing up for its annual preparation and distribution of 12,000 Thanksgiving dinners on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28—both through home deliveries across Greater Cleveland and an in-person dinner at St. Augustine Hunger Center in Tremont.

“One in seven people across Northeast Ohio is food insecure,” says Fredy Robles, chief program officer of Cleveland Catholic Charities. “Caring for unmet needs in our communities is a top priority at Catholic Charities, and we embrace the holidays especially as important opportunities to touch the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”

Elk & Elk Co. Ltd., Barons Bus, Northern Haserot, and local parishes contribute food donations and volunteer each year to the annual Thanksgiving meals campaign, and this year the Cleveland Browns will join the effort. About 15 community partner agencies will partner with Catholic Charities to distribute the meals in the community.

Getting a meal

Those who are interested in receiving free home-delivered Thanksgiving meals, must register with Catholic Charities by Monday, Nov. 25 at 12 p.m. Call (216) 377-3725, or email your name, phone number, address and number of meals requested.

Delivery will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 28.

Community members are also invited to visit the St. Augustine Hunger Center, 1400 Howard Ave., 44113 for a Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is not required.

To serve as a volunteer

Catholic Charities organizes hundreds of volunteers annually to assist with Thanksgiving meal service and delivery.

Those who would like to volunteer for Thanksgiving 2024 can sign up for available opportunities. Volunteer registration is required and closes on Monday, Nov. 25.

“Thanksgiving can be a difficult and stressful time for individuals and families who don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” says Eric Milkie, Catholic Charities director of emergency assistance services. “We are grateful for the gracious support of vital partners and volunteers who spend their holiday joining in service at the St. Augustine Hunger Center.”

Donate

During the 2024 holiday season, individuals and families can also join in making a monetary gift.

Learn more about Catholic Charities’ community hot meals provided year-round at sites in Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Summit Counties.