St. Matthew’s House feeding families this Thanksgiving

With the help of volunteers, hundreds of Southwest Florida families have a warm Thanksgiving meal.

Staff and volunteers began serving turkey at noon and will continue until 4 p.m. on Thursday and Campbell Lodge Shelter in East Naples. St. Matthew’s Hosue says it expects to offer 1,000 Thanksgiving dinners over the course of the day.

For some in Collier County, the volunteers at St. Matthew’s House are like family. And the best way to spend Thanksgiving is with family, even if they don’t share your last name.

Cyndi Jean Pierr is a new mom and a guest at St. Matthew’s House. “Thanksgiving means to me is being gathered around those you love the most and spending some quality time with them,” Pierr said.

Like many in Southwest Florida, Pierr doesn’t always know where her next meal will come from. “I am praying about it, and I hope God opens a door and sends help through somebody else. But for now, I am thankful for this one,” she said.

All day, people have been coming to St. Matthew’s House for a hot meal and companionship. Camrin Bass is another guest at St, Matthew’s Hosue and appreciates the organization, especially on days like this.

“It means a lot to me that everybody can get together be able to help out one another and be able to spend the time with one another instead of alone something to be thankful for,” Bass said.

Heidi Schultz lives at St. Matthew’s Hosue for the time being and says she gives thanks every day for the opportunities offered there. The food as an added benefit is also appreciated. “St. Matthew’s House is a home of second and third chances, grace, compassion, and resources,” said Schultz.

Good people doing wonderful things for others is exactly what Thanksgiving is all about. St. Matthew’s House helps feed thousands of people every week. If you’d like to donate or volunteer at St. Matthew’s House, you can do so by following this link.