Starting Christmas morning, over 200 volunteers are taking part in the City Mission’s annual Hambone Express, which ensures that hungry families from all over the region have access to freshly prepared meals. Whether someone is struggling financially, or homeless, the Hambone Express initiative sees to it that everyone has an opportunity to feel holiday warmth, in the form of a free meal delivered to their place of residence. Earlier this morning, the volunteers meet up at Meals on Wheels for WNY headquarters, before heading out to deliver 3,500 meals to people in need across Western New York!
“In the spirit of the season, the City Mission is honored to deliver hot meals and season’s greetings to those who are struggling,” said Stuart Harper, CEO and Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission. “This time of year is about fellowship and spreading goodwill in our community. The volunteers who donate their time to support our annual Hambone Express event truly personify what the holidays represent. In partnership with Meals on Wheels for Western New York, we are helping to lift up the spirits of our neighbors who are in need and to make sure no one in our community goes hungry on Christmas Day.”
Last month, City Mission and Meals on Wheels collaborated to bring 5,500 meals to the elderly, impoverished, and shut-ins across Western New York via the Turkey Express. The Hambone Express extends that same generosity for another month, to ensure that those less fortunate are provided with holiday foods and tidings that others take for granted.
“For the second straight month, it is our honor to partner with the Buffalo City Mission to support our neighbors in need throughout this special region,” said Christine Procknal, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels for Western New York. “During the holidays, our work to enrich lives through food carries incredible importance. Our collaboration with the City Mission is a powerful way to deliver good cheer across the community.”
Along with delivering meals throughout the region, Hambone Express is also hosted at the Buffalo City Mission at 100 East Tupper Street. This is the site that was chosen in 2018, while the construction of a new 75,000 square foot flagship Community Center is underway (90 East Tupper). Once that new Community Center opens in 2020, it will become home for social service agencies, case management, mental health services, medical care, job training, basic family services, legal services, food, and clothing. You can learn more about the heralded efforts of the City Mission, and its $15 million Next Century Capital Campaign, by clicking here.
The goal of the new Community Center will be able to bring an end to hunger and homelessness in the region. In the meantime, rest assured that today a number of less fortunate people are happy to hear knocks at their doors, signaling that they will soon be enjoying warm and delicious holiday meals, thanks to the selfless efforts of volunteers from the City Mission and Meals on Wheels.
Lead image: By Buffalo cartoonist David Corbett. Cartoon presented by Hyatts – All Things Creative.