In 1989 we started a Community Thanksgiving Meal working with the Marion Area Ministerial Association and Social Services. This meal gave those who might be alone on Thanksgiving an opportunity to be with others around the table. It also provided an opportunity for the community to come together and help prepare the food and meals so that they could be served in the church or delivered for those unable to get out and join us. The first two years the meals were served in and delivered out of Mt. Carmel UMC and then for the next two years out of Royal Oak Presbyterian Church. In 1993 we moved to First UMC in Marion and have been serving there since.

As is evident from the dates, the meal predates Project Crossroads but it became a part of our ministry as we developed the project. The name eventually changed and it is now the Warren Family Memorial Thanksgiving Meal, in memory of a family who made a tremendous impact on the community for years and made this event the Thanksgiving celebration for their family. Through the years we have gone through changes and improvements but it continues to be an important part of the lives of many in our community. We have approximately 50 to 70 that volunteer to cook, prepare and deliver meals every year. We serve around 425 to 450 meals now on Thanksgiving Day. You may help by volunteering or making a donation to help buy the food for meals.

At the beginning of our ministry, we assisted the Marion VFW and the Salvation Army pick up and deliver donated furniture to those in need in our communities. Eventually we were asked to take this over permanently. We continue to collect donated furniture and appliances and store them at the warehouse space at Thweat’s Hardware. Then as we receive calls for furniture or appliances, we deliver them to families. If you have such items to donate please call and we can make arrangements to pick them up.