As it says in Psalm 136, “O give thanks unto the LORD for he is good; for His mercy endures forever.” For the second year in a row, the St George Serbian Orthodox Parish in Lorain, Ohio has given thanks to God by offering a Thanksgiving meal for the neediest in our community.

St George Community Outreach Coordinator, Valerie Bihary, organized multiple families in the St George parish to prepare, cook and serve this holiday meal in Lorain County’s only 24 hour emergency shelter. The parish responded to her request by prepping enough food and dessert for multiple days worth of meals!

Gary and Marlene Tumbas, along with Father Aleksa Pavichevich and his mother, Barbara, arrived at Haven Shelter in time to serve dinner. Residents from two-years of age, up to sixty, enjoyed multiple helpings of a wide variety of food.

Haven Shelter, run by Neighborhood alliance, supports up to 60 residents at any given time. They have facilities to support men, women and families with children. Haven employs a few full-time staff members to help residents find home and job placement within a 60-day time period.