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Community meals were served around Rochester this Thanksgiving

Caitlin Whyte
/
WXXI News

Everyone can be great because everyone can serve. That was a sentiment offered from Minister Clifford Florence at the Central Church of Christ this Thanksgiving holiday.

"Certainly we all have a hand in making the quality and quantity of life better for the poor and disenfranchised."

For over 40 years, the downtown church has served a community meal for the holiday at their location on South Plymouth.

Florence said community-to-community service is of the utmost importance and that everyone can lend a hand in helping, especially during the holidays

"One great thing about the word of God and physical food - it brings fellowship, it brings joy, it brings laughter. And it helps those who need it the most. And certainly with the poverty that is so strong in Rochester and Monroe County, we need to do all we can to address poverty in this city."

Florence said the church provides meals and food baskets to those in need both during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

He hopes feeding and working with those in need in our community is something that can bring the city together.

"Right now we have a wonderful community that tries to give, but it’s too divisive. I think we all need to come together and learn that there is strength in unity. And certainly we want to compliment others who are working in their respective places to alleviate poverty, but there is a stronger push that we can make."

Florence said he was grateful for those in the community who are sacrificing their holiday and family time to serve others

The Open Door Mission at 210 West Main Street served their dinner Thanksgiving evening from 4pm to 6pm.