First Lady Jenny Sanford Boxes for the Homeless Oliver Gospel Mission provides 400 Thanksgiving meals to needy families in Columbia

COLUMBIA, SC – November 20, 2008- The Oliver Gospel Mission kicks off the Thanksgiving Holiday with the Boxes for the Homeless and The Great Thanksgiving Banquet on Wednesday the 26th.  The Banquet is a yearly tradition at the Mission where the Oliver Gospel Mission opens its doors to all who need a hot Thanksgiving Meal.

This year’s spokesperson for The Thanksgiving Boxes for the Homeless is First Lady of South Carolina Jenny Sanford.   Mrs. Sanford will be helping the staff and volunteers in loading 400 boxes of food that the Mission will be handing out to needy families in Columbia.  Mrs. Sanford will arrive at the Mission on Friday morning November 21, 2008, at 9:00AM.

According to Wayne Fields, Executive Director of the Oliver Gospel Mission, Mrs. Sanford has a true heart for the homeless.  Mrs. Sanford and the boys have been to the Mission many times to serve meals*we are so excited that she is this year’s spokesperson.

The Mission prepares 400 boxes of Thanksgiving Meal food items, including a 10-15 lbs turkey. On Wednesday November 26, 2008, the Mission will open its doors to anyone who wishes to have a hot Thanksgiving Meal.  The Mission plans on serving over 300 meals on the Wednesday event before Thanksgiving.

The Oliver Gospel Mission has recently completed a comprehensive remodeling allowing the Mission to feed and lodge more of the community homeless than ever before.

The Oliver Gospel Mission was founded in 1888 and is the oldest community homeless shelter in the Southeast and the 6th oldest in the United States.  The Mission is now celebrating 120 years serving Columbia’s homeless.  The Mission’s sole means of support comes from donations made by private individuals, churches and area businesses.