Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Jo’Ziah Riviera, 10, left, and his sister, Kenezley Turner, 5, both of Warren, move through the food line while attending the annual Warren Family Mission Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday afternoon. More than 2,250 meals were served between those who dined in and those who carried out or had their dinner delivered.

WARREN — Thanksgiving was served with a side of hope and community at the Warren Family Mission on Wednesday, as 2,251 meals reached families in need.

Inside the mission’s warm dining hall, volunteers, local officials and community members came together to ensure that no one in Warren would go without a holiday meal.

“It’s about more than food,” Dominic Mararri, director of public relations for the mission, said. “It’s about sharing love, hope, and letting people know they’re not alone.”

Volunteers prepared and served 1,362 meals for delivery, 603 to-go orders, and 286 meals for guests who dined inside the mission. Along with the hot meals, the mission handed out 150 turkeys for families to take home.

“We had 3,500 pounds of turkey, 1,400 pounds of mashed potatoes, 900 pounds of corn, and so much more. This doesn’t happen without our donors, volunteers and, first and foremost, God,” Mararri said.

David Neely, who attended the event as a guest, said the mission has been a lifeline for him. “When I didn’t have anybody else or anywhere else to go, the mission picked me up and helped me do everything. They got me back on my feet, helped me save money, and now I have a place of my own,” he said.

Neely, who started his relationship with the mission in 2023, recalled a time when his future seemed bleak.

“I didn’t have the tools or the support I needed. Without them, I think I’d still be stuck where I was. They gave me hope when I didn’t have any, and now I’m here to give back.”

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, a longtime volunteer at the event, served meals alongside other local officials, including City Council President John Brown and Trumbull County Sheriff-elect Mike Wilson.

“It’s a humbling experience every year,” Franklin said. “It reminds me of the blessings in my own life and the strength of our community. Seeing how thankful people are, even those who have so little, is incredibly moving.”

Brown echoed the sentiment. “It’s humbling to be on this side of the table, serving people who are struggling. You see smiles, hear kids saying thank you, it’s powerful,” he said.

Christina Johns, volunteer coordinator, reflected on the long journey to prepare for the event.

“It’s a lot of chaos, but it’s worth every second,” she said. “It reaffirms that God is good and takes care of everything. By the end of the day, I go home tired but full, knowing we made a difference.”

The mission’s meal delivery program saw a notable increase this year, serving 200 more meals than in 2023.

“Transportation can be a challenge for many people, especially those with health issues,” Mararri said. “That’s why we’re so grateful for the team of drivers who made it possible to reach those who couldn’t come in person.”

Beyond Thanksgiving, the mission remains a lifeline for many in Warren. Weekly pantry distributions have grown to more than 400 bags of groceries, and its feeding program provides meals six days a week.

“The need is growing, but so is the generosity of this community,” Mararri said.