Mozel Sanders Foundation Eyes 45K Meals

An annual effort to feed those in need in and around Indianapolis is hoping to distribute more than 40,000 meals on Thanksgiving.

With less than a week to go, the Mozel Sanders Foundation still needs to raise about $25,000 to be able to fund its 45,000 meal goal.

But, Operations Coordinator, Shannon Joseph says he is confident the organization will be able to do so.

"We'll continue to see if we have some last minute fundraising opportunities. Sometimes they come up," said Joseph.  "At the end of the day, each year, we've always come up with where we've needed money and we've always made money.  We have faith that we will continue to do that.  It's a continuous process for us."

He says the community is still reeling from the impact of the recession and more families depend on the foundation for its Thanksgiving meals.

"The need has always been there no matter what the economic situation has been," he said.  "There are always going to be people that are without. We see more of it because of the economic downturn, but that number is always there."

But, Joseph is encouraged by the way the city and region come together to ensure the day is one of joy for those who need it most.

"We feel that we are doing something not for ourselves on one of the days that you are supposed to give thanks for what you are getting, we are actually giving to those who don't have," he said. "You see a combination of our community coming together and it's a great sight to see because you see it from all walks of life coming in to assist and try to feed as many people as we can on Thanksgiving Day."

Joseph says the organization will provide meals in nine counties this Thanksgiving.

Photo courtesy of Mozel Sanders Foundation via Facebook