By Michael Cooney | For On Mission
OSHKOSH — An annual Thanksgiving tradition continued at Father Carr’s Place 2B, which marked 50 years of service in 2024. Meals were served at the Life Enrichment Center in Oshkosh and delivered by volunteers to homes mainly throughout Winnebago County.
Executive director Jim Boehm estimated that Father Carr’s Place 2B prepared 800 pounds of turkey for 1,800 meals, an increase of about 400 meals over last year.
Why the increase in demand?
“I think there are a few reasons,” said Boehm. “It’s harder for some people these days.” Grocery prices are higher and more people need help. Plus, there was a (church) in Neenah that provided meals last year, but they discontinued their program.”
Each meal for delivery included turkey with gravy, a vegetable, mashed potatoes, a dinner roll and pumpkin pie.
Boehm received a request this year from Appleton Pentecostal Assembly.
“They asked If we could provide meals for them, and we agreed because we had enough food,” he said.
Appleton Pentecostal picked up 200 meals on Thanksgiving Day. Some people were expected to eat the meals communally at the church, with others taking the food home, said Senior Pastor-District Elder Walter Ragland.
“There are so many people in need, and it’s a matter of supply and demand. The need is huge, and it’s heartwarming to see Father Carr’s and others stepping up to help feed the people of Wisconsin and the Fox Valley area,” said Pastor Ragland.
“This is our very first time. We haven’t done anything like this before, and it’s truly a blessing,” he added. “I just want to say we’re incredibly excited and grateful. We deeply appreciate Father Carr’s, the diocese and all the volunteers who made this possible. It’s truly overwhelming to see what God is doing in this area.”
“It doesn’t matter who calls. We just want to feed the hungry. That’s what the Lord asked us to do,” said Boehm.
All the food items, including turkeys, were donated to Father Carr’s Place 2B. Boehm said that approximately 200 volunteers, including 150 who handled deliveries, gave their time this year.
“I’m just really glad we can do this. This is our 50th year, and we’re proud of what we do,” said Boehm. “More importantly, we know this is exactly what Jesus asked us to do; take care of each other. Everyone here is smiling because they know they’re part of something meaningful.”
Read a story about Father Carr’s Place 2B’s 50 years of community service at Father Carr’s Place 2B celebrates 50 years of community service – OnMissionMedia.com.
For more information about the Life Enrichment Center, which offers a food pantry, free clinic and transitional housing among its services, visit Home – Father Carr’s Place 2B.
