Celebration Tabernacle Church in North Portland provided Thanksgiving meals to hundreds on November 23, 2023, continuing a more than 20-year tradition aimed at ensuring no one in the community goes without a warm meal during the holiday. The church’s annual event, known as the PROPER Thanksgiving Feast-ival, was supported by numerous volunteers dedicated to serving the community.
PROPER, which stands for People Reaching Other People Expecting Restoration, is the church’s outreach initiative. Traditionally, the church hosts a large sit-down Thanksgiving banquet featuring live music and entertainment in its sanctuary. However, after a fire outside the church last summer, the organization adapted its approach by offering to-go meals from Po’Shines Cafe De La Soul, the soul food restaurant located next to the church.
Volunteers and cooks began their work before sunrise, preparing meals for approximately 800 people. Robin Gordon, the director of PROPER, expressed pride in the volunteers’ commitment, stating, “The volunteers’ energy is always fantastic. They love being here and giving back to their community.” Many of the volunteers return each year to share the holiday spirit with those in need.
As early as 10:30 a.m., over an hour before meals were set to be distributed, individuals began lining up outside Po’Shines, eager for their holiday meal. Around 30 volunteers participated in packaging and distributing the meals, which included traditional Thanksgiving fare such as turkey, trinity greens, red beans and rice, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cornbread stuffing.
Tamara Tolbert, a pastor at Celebration Tabernacle and a veteran volunteer of the Thanksgiving event, arrived at Po’Shines at 6 a.m. to help with cooking. Tolbert noted that planning and preparation for the feast had taken place throughout the week. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and it’s just so fun every time,” she said. “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.”
In addition to the efforts of Celebration Tabernacle, several other shelters, churches, and restaurants in the Portland area also offered free Thanksgiving meals to those in need, reinforcing the sense of community and support during the holiday season. This collaborative approach highlights the spirit of giving that characterizes the Thanksgiving holiday, ensuring that everyone can partake in a warm meal and a sense of belonging.
