Ecumenical Social Ministries feeding hundreds Thanksgiving meal

Ecumenical Social Ministries in downtown Colorado Springs is providing Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need this holiday season.

The local nonprofit provides services to low-income families and people experiencing homelessness. Nearly 400 turkeys, all of them donated will fill their food pantry.

“A lot of them are really struggling and it’s important we give back and make sure they have the same Thanksgiving we’re all going to have,” said Ann Lantz, Executive Director at ESM.

The bagged goods are donated from local nonprofits, churches and donors. The turkeys are mostly donated from Care and Share food bank.

For Katherine Wilson, a mother of eight, this donation allows her and her family to have a Thanksgiving.

“Being that I’m a single parent and I don’t get child support and I’m disabled, I only get a little bit of food stamps so this helps out a whole lot,” Wilson said.

Families receive one turkey, as well as other items including stuffing, potatoes, cornbread mix and canned goods.

“I’m thankful for places like this even though it was a long line, once the door opened it was no problem,” said Gerald Padilla of Colorado Springs.

The long lines show the need for help in the community.

“The number of people we’re serving has gone up tremendously in the last year, we’re serving 21 percent more people through our food pantry,” Lantz said.

In 2016 ESM will serve more than 74,000 persons. In their food pantry, they serve more than 17,000 families, which is an increase of 22 percent over 2015

“Thanks everyone for whoever donated the turkeys, love it, appreciate it,” Wilson said.

Recipients must be registered to pick up a donation Monday. Otherwise, they must meet an income requirement and can pick up a basket Tuesday. Donations will be available based on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 9 a.m.

ESM is located at 201 N. Weber, at the corner of Bijou and Weber.