On Saturday, November 17, Union Gospel Mission's sanctuary was full of volunteers putting together 300 boxes of canned and boxed food, as well as adding a $25 certificate for a turkey, and artwork the volunteers created.

The turkey certificates were made possible by donors who participated in Union Gospel Mission's online "Paper Turkey" fundraiser.

This is the first year that Union Gospel Mission has expanded their Thanksgiving services to include food box distribution to the greater Portland area and suburbs.  Union Gospel Mission partnered with area churches and nonprofit organizations to identify families in need and distribute the food boxes.

On Sunday, Union Gospel Mission's Executive Director Bill Russell, was at one of the churches where 30 of the food boxes were distributed.

"The families, including the children, were amazed and so thankful for the boxes. It was moving to see what a blessing the boxes were for these families, that are really struggling," said Bill, "and now they can have a great Thanksgiving meal."