FORT WAYNE, Ind. – For nearly five decades, St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church has made Thanksgiving a time of shared blessing for the Fort Wayne community. This year the parish will serve more than 1,500 meals at its annual Thanksgiving Day Soup Kitchen Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1101 South Lafayette Street.
How the event works
The dinner is open to everyone, free of charge. Attendees line up at a buffet to choose classic Thanksgiving favorites, then gather in the church hall for a sit‑down meal. After the main dinner ends at 1 p.m., the church will offer carry‑out portions so families can enjoy a home‑cooked feast.
Volunteer and donor support
Approximately 150 volunteers – a mix of parishioners, out‑of‑state visitors and families who return each year – make the event possible. The church emphasizes that a $10 donation can provide a full Thanksgiving dinner for one person. Contributions can be made online via the church’s giving page or by mail, and anyone interested in helping can call 260‑705‑0494.
Beyond Thanksgiving
St. Mary’s commitment to feeding the needy extends year‑round. Its soup kitchen, opened in 1975, now provides more than 300,000 meals of soup and bread annually. The parish also runs a Christmas Food Box program, which began the same year. This holiday season, more than 500 complete dinner boxes will be distributed to families, thanks to a grant from the M.E. Raker Foundation. Registrations open on Saturday, November 21, and distribution occurs on Saturday, December 12.
Ave Maria House
In addition to meal programs, the church operates Ave Maria House, a welcoming facility where individuals can rest, shower, do laundry and access a computer. The center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering a safe space for those in transition.
Why the tradition matters
Church officials say the Thanksgiving dinner reflects the parish’s core mission of service rooted in Christian faith and the biblical call to care for the hungry. “We view this as an expression of Christ’s love for the neighbor,” one spokesperson explained. The event not only provides nourishment but also fosters community bonds, allowing volunteers and guests to share stories and prayer.
How to get involved
Residents who wish to donate, volunteer or learn more about St. Mary’s outreach programs are encouraged to visit stmarysfw.org or call the volunteer line. The church hopes the Thanksgiving dinner will continue to be a beacon of hope and generosity for Fort Wayne families for many years to come.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
