On November 23, 2023, Celebration Tabernacle Church in North Portland continued its long-standing tradition of providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need. For over two decades, the church has ensured that community members do not face the holiday without a warm meal. This year, the church’s outreach program, known as PROPER (People Reaching Other People Expecting Restoration), served approximately 800 people with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Due to a fire affecting the church last summer, the annual Thanksgiving Feast-ival was modified from a large sit-down banquet to a to-go meal distribution from the adjacent Po’Shines Cafe De La Soul. This soul food restaurant is owned by the church and has become a vital part of their community service efforts.
Before dawn on Thanksgiving Day, volunteers and kitchen staff were already hard at work preparing meals, which included turkey, trinity greens, red beans and rice, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cornbread stuffing. Robin Gordon, PROPER’s director, expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm of the volunteers. “The volunteers’ energy is always fantastic. They love being here and giving back to their community,” he stated. “A lot of people come back every year to spend Thanksgiving with us.”
By 10:30 a.m., more than an hour before the first meals were distributed, a line of eager community members had already formed outside Po’Shines. Approximately 30 volunteers assisted in packaging and distributing the holiday meals, ensuring that everyone received a hearty feast.
Tamara Tolbert, a pastor at Celebration Tabernacle and a veteran Thanksgiving volunteer, arrived at Po’Shines at 6 a.m. to begin cooking. Tolbert, who has participated in this event for 25 years, emphasized the joy of serving the community. “It brings me so much joy to cook for the community. Some families have nowhere to go, so it’s nice that we can be here for them,” she noted.
The efforts of Celebration Tabernacle Church reflect a broader commitment within the Portland area, where several shelters, churches, and restaurants also offered free Thanksgiving meals on the same day. The collaborative spirit within the community underscores the importance of coming together to support those in need during the holiday season.
As the Thanksgiving holiday continues to evolve, the dedication shown by organizations such as Celebration Tabernacle serves as a reminder of the power of community and the impact of volunteerism.
