Mission Thanksgiving

Friends of Love & Care, 
 
Thank you for all you do for those in need and hurting in our community and the rural communities we serve. Because of your support, we are able to provide hot meals, boxed food, clothing, showers, rent, utilities, spiritual counseling, and, most importantly, unconditional love.  
 
This year marks Love & Care Ministries’ 30^th Anniversary. Since 1995, God has allowed us to serve more people every year. The needs continue to grow, and so does our commitment to meet them.
 
One of our fastest-growing ministries is CarePack for Kids. In the 2024/2025 school year alone, we delivered 81,793 CarePacks—an average of 2,272 each week across 10 school districts. For $153 you can provide one CarePack for one young person all school year. 
 
The 26^th Annual Mission Thanksgiving is Friday, November 21, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Arrow Ford (4001 S. 1^st Street in Abilene). Our needs haven’t changed but have become greater in 2025:
 
Non-Perishable Food (Residential and Commercial), Bottled Water, Frozen Meat (Deer or Cow), Sleeping Bags and Blankets, Travel-Sized Personal Hygiene Items, New Underwear & Socks for Men, Women and Children, Coats for Men, Women and Children, Shoes and Boots for Men, Women and Children, Clothing for Men, Women and Children, and Monetary Donations.
 
You may have come through Mission Thanksgiving before, but this year it is very important that you come again. We ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a “Wall of Love Sponsor” with a donation of $500 or more. But always remember, any donation, big or small, becomes a great blessing to those we serve. 
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at Love & Care, 325-670-0246. 
 
Thank you, Pastor Mark Hewitt & Associate Director Zack Hewitt
 
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31

How to Help

Businesses, families, and individuals can become a "Wall of Love" sponsor for this major event by donating $500 or more, which will help feed 1,600 people. 

Volunteer at the event. Individuals and groups are invited to Arrow Ford from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to assist with collecting and processing donations. Volunteer shirts are available while supplies last. Click here to register to volunteer.

For large groups interested in volunteering at Mission Thanksgiving, contact Allison Alvarez at allison.alvarez@arrowford.com or 325-455-8060.

Needed Items

• Monetary Donations
• Frozen Meat (Deer or Cow)
• Non-perishable Food
• New Socks and Underwear
• Coats
• Sleeping Bags
• Bottled Water & Soft Drinks
• Travel Size Personal Hygiene Items