Willie Marvin Ellis is thankful for Union Mission's Grace House.
The shelter program on Fahm Street is designed to help men transition from homelessness into permanent housing. When Ellis moved from Chicago to Savannah several years ago, he entered the program. He did what they taught him, and now has permanent housing.
"I owe so much to the Grace House, they've done a lot for me," Ellis said. "I'm thankful for life, and I'm thankful for the Grace House and the steps that they showed me. And now I'm doing well on my own."
Ellis came out to Union Mission's annual Thanksgiving meal and clothing drive, which serves 300 people experiencing homelessness annually. The event was held on Wednesday afternoon at the nonprofit's administrative headquarters at the corner of Oglethorpe Avenue and Fahm Street.
Union Mission is a 501(c)3 nonprofit aimed at eradicating homelessness in Savannah. It provides emergency shelter beds and extended programs for different populations.
"Today is about the community," Joseph Mongold, Union Mission outreach coordinator, said as he folded sweaters and hoodies for the clothing drive.
Credit: Zoe Nicholson
About 40 volunteers came out to help community members pick out coats, hygiene kits, shoes and other necessities before the Thanksgiving meal. Apple pie and turkey were served in abundance.
Among the volunteers was 7-year-old Bethany Moultry, who makes "Happy Bags" of necessities for people experiencing homelessness. Since she started putting them together a little more than a year ago, she's given out nearly 2,500 bags of necessities and toiletries.
Zoe covers growth and how it impacts communities in the Savannah area. Find her at znicholson@gannett.com, @zoenicholson_ on Twitter, and @zoenicholsonreporter on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 'Today is about the community': Union Mission volunteers serve Thanksgiving to 300 people