Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mayor, Central Church of Christ Serve Thanksgiving Meal to Community

Caitlin Whyte / WXXI News

The Central Church of Christ's annual Thanksgiving meal was held on Plymouth Avenue in Rochester Thursday afternoon.

Mayor Lovely Warren helped volunteers and church members serve families in need, and said it’s great to know there is a place for people to gather in the center city.

She said she has a lot to be thankful for both personally, and as the mayor.

"My family, my daughter is here with me today serving as well. Having great people in the community that really care about the city of Rochester and giving back. We have a lot to be thankful for as a community and we have to continue to come together and lift one another up."

The event has taken place at the South Plymouth church for 46 years and Minister Clifford Florence said each year the message is the same, making people feel welcomed.

"Everyone is valued in our community, and certainly those who are disenfranchised, those families that are poor. We know poverty is a major problem here in the city."

Minister Florence urged people to continue the spirit of giving year round, and not just during the holidays.

"The wonderful number of volunteers we have that are here serving the community, that’s what the real Rochester ought to look like, and it ought to happen on a daily basis."

Credit Caitlin Whyte / WXXI News

Clianda Florence is the daughter of Minister Florence, and was one of the volunteers serving at the event. She said her upbringing taught her the importance of giving back.

"My father taught me young that it’s more blessed to give then to receive. So that’s what I instill in my 3 children now."

Clianda said she is happy to serve on Thanksgiving, but like her father, said it’s something that should happen year round.

"We shouldn’t wait for a high day to be thankful, or to show thanks. And as my dad says, it shouldn’t be Thanksgiving but Thanks-living."

In addition to the dinner, the Central Church of Christ was able to provide 200 food baskets to families in need thanks to donations.