The Facts Behind Love & Care Ministries and Mission Thanksgiving

Abilene's annual Mission Thanksgiving is the brainchild of Arrow Ford owner Seaton Higginbotham, who wanted to help our community's homeless, hungry, and working poor. The event was born as a fundraising benefit to help those in need around the Big Country.

Mission Thanksgiving currently benefits Love & Care Ministries. Love & Care was created by Pastor Mark Hewitt and Jim Sayre, who opened their ministry out of the back of a pickup truck. Both men served on the streets of Abilene, delivering bowls of soup to the homeless and hungry.

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Shortly after beginning Love & Care Ministries, Hewitt and Sayre accepted the donation of a building on Abilene's north side. This would become the home for Love & Care Ministries Church, complete with a kitchen ministering to the city's homeless and working poor.

For Mission Thanksgiving, employees at Arrow Ford spend one full day not selling cars but gathering donations from the community. This year that day will be Friday, November 17, 2023, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at 4001 South 1st in Abilene.

You won't even have to get out of your vehicle. One of many volunteers will be there to accept your donations of food, clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, personal hygiene items, shoes, and monetary donations.

People of all ages, from children to the elderly, need our help

Empty out your pantry and clean out your closets knowing you are doing good for our city's working poor and homeless community. If November 17 is not a convenient day for you, you can drop off donations at Love & Care Ministries at 233 Fannin Street, the day before or the day after.

What items are being requested for donation?

Anything that is in good shape that can still be used
New underwear
Socks of all sizes
Boots
Coats
Blankets
Sleeping bags
Clothing (men's especially)
Bottled water
Non-perishable food items
Pop-top cans (good for food bags)
Thermal underwear
Travel-size personal hygiene items
Monetary donations

Our community has so many people currently struggling through financial hardships, medical issues, homelessness, hunger and much more. Please help. If you are unable to donate, you can still assist by being a volunteer. To do so, call Love & Care Ministries at 325-670-0246.