Church hosts Thanksgiving community meal

For 12 years now, the Iman “faith” in Swahili — United Church of Christ has been opening its doors to the community to serve its annual Community Thanksgiving Meal.

And, as in years past, hundreds of Northeast Ohio residents graciously accepted, as Imani members and volunteers alike prepared and served about 1,100 pounds of food.

The church, at 1505 E. 260th Street, even provides transportation and delivery for those residing in Euclid.

The congregation donates uncooked turkeys, desserts and paper products, and also provides all remaining items to round out the threehour holiday feast.

“Michele Humphrey took over Imani as pastor in November of 2005 and she has a heart for God’s people and believes no one should have to spend the holidays or any day alone or hungry,” said LaTonia McGriff, one of the church’s outreach ministry team leads. “The church realizes that the holidays are especially hard for many people, especially those who have lost a loved one.

“Close to 200 volunteers,

including servers, drivers, cooks and housekeeping teams, work tirelessly to make this day possible. We actually start preparing on the Sunday before Thanksgiving through Thanksgiving Day.”

This year, Imani served about 350 people and the church anticipates the event continuing well into the future.

“We started serving about 50 people 11 years ago,” McGriff said. “Now, we hope to

do more community type meals throughout the year going forward.”

Imani operates a food pantry that serves the Euclid community on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, providing food for approximately 250 families.

Additionally, the church has a clothing ministry that is free and open to the public on the first Thursday of each month.

Even with his own family

hosting a holiday meal, Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer made it a point to stop by Imani to greet residents and wish all a blessed holiday.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to have our officers come out in a non-enforcement capacity to join in Thanksgiving with the members of our community,” he said.

“With so much division in the world today, it’s good to see everyone coming together and celebrating. It’s a nice benefit for all.”

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD Imani United Church of Christ volunteers Elsie Shockey, left, and Janice Brown prepare a plate to be served on Nov. 22 during the congregation’s 12th Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal. Over 340 people attended the traditional event.