The Texarkana Homeless Shelter hopes to provide hundreds of meals this Thanksgiving

TEXARKANA, Texas (KSLA) – A homeless shelter in Texarkana is asking for donations before Thanksgiving and the winter months.

Officials at the Randy Sams Outreach Center in Texarkana have begun preparations for a community Thanksgiving meal, but they need help to make the meal a success.

“We’ve had a few donations, but nowhere near what we need,” said Jennifer Lacefield, the shelter’s director.

“The donations haven’t been coming in like they have in the past,” explained Lori Petic, kitchen manager.

Petic said the cupboards are somewhat bare right now while they wait for help to arrive. This year, they hope to provide about 350 meals to anyone in the community in need.

“I know the economy is tough and I know everybody is struggling,” Petic said.

The meal is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Lacefield said this is also a time to help the homeless prepare for the winter months.

“We need blankets, scarves, mittens, bennies, any type of hat to keep them warm as the cold weather months approach.”

Lacefield said they are also accepting monetary donations to help with food and clothing needs.

Monetary donations can be made on the website at randysams.org or by sending a check to the shelter at 402 Oak St., Texarkana, TX.