SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Every week for the last five years, Jean Cleveland has volunteered at the Springfield Rescue Mission. The week of thanksgiving always feels different though.

"There are so many people that come in that don't have anybody," Cleveland said. "They don't have family. They don't have a home. They're just all alone in the world. They come in and we try to be friendly to them, kind, and serve them a hot meal." 

What You Need To Know

  • Springfield Rescue Mission offered hot Thanksgiving meals to people in need throughout Hampden County Wednesday
  • The nonprofit delivered more than 400 meals in the morning, and dozens more at their location during the afternoon
  • They also plan on doing a similar to-go dinner come Christmas, along with presents

The nonprofit offers food, clothes, and emergency shelter for those in need around Hampden County. 

Staff and volunteers like Cleveland spent Wednesday cooking, packing, and delivering meals to people in communities like Chicopee, East Longmeadow, and Springfield. 

"You know, a lot of people have no hope, and this gives us a chance to share hope," Kevin Ramsdell, the Executive Director of Springfield Rescue Mission, said. "There are folks out there that care about you, love you, and want to provide a meal for you."

The mission delivered more than 400 meals throughout the county Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, dozens lined up outside, either on foot or in their cars, to get some of those thanksgiving dinner favorites.

"It's just phenomenal to be able to rub shoulders with people you normally wouldn't, find out what's going on in their life," Ramsdell said.

The team at the rescue mission is just getting started though. They plan on another meals to-go program come Christmas.

"Not only is it a meal, but we also provide presents," Ramsdell said.

And it's a day Cleveland can't wait for. "It's a passion of mine," Cleveland said. "This is like the best thing I do all week."