Capital City Rescue Mission Prepares to Serve 3,000 People on Thanksgiving Day

With rising food prices and growing needs, many nonprofits are still struggling to meet demand. Now organizations like Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany are trying to meet that demand.

Organizers say planning holiday meals is a year-long effort, but this year the shelter is trying to meet higher needs by increasing the number of meals served.

This year, the mission plans to increase the number of plates from 1,800 to 3,000. We spoke with Pastor Perry Jones, executive director of the shelter, who said many volunteers spend weeks preparing meals.

“The preparations are going well. We’re in the midst of it. You know, getting ready for 3,000 meals and everything that we do. But things are going well,” he said. “But it’s just one big improvement because Christmas is coming and we have a lot of work to do.”

Perry said their holiday dinners are only possible because of the many volunteers who spend weeks helping prepare the food. While the shelter is always accepting donations, it needs more volunteers to help with other shelter duties.

He said volunteers can help with a variety of skills, from administrative skills to helping with food preparation projects.

“It’s amazing because they cut up the vegetables and the meat and everything that needs to be done. And plus give out a lot of gifts to children. To do this, we need to have a lot of volunteers,” he said.

To donate or volunteer at the shelter, visit their website to learn more.