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Gov. Herbert joins volunteers at Salt Lake Rescue Mission to serve Thanksgiving meal

Posted at 7:04 PM, Nov 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-24 10:19:08-05

SALT LAKE CITY – For people who may not have a place to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Salt Lake Rescue Mission filled the void. Volunteers, including Governor Herbert, pitched in to lift their spirits.

Herbert and Lieutenant Gov. Spencer Cox teamed up with volunteers to serve up a hearty Thanksgiving meal at the Rescue Mission’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

“We're providing Thanksgiving meals for our homeless friends so they can come in, be warm, have a family atmosphere and enjoy a good home-cooked meal that is made from scratch,” said Lisa Wolfe, Rescue Mission Women's Shelter Supervisor.

Trish Staley is one of hundreds of people who was able to enjoy the home-cooked meal. She’s been homeless for five years and didn’t get to celebrate last year.

“This year, as soon as we stepped in here to see just how beautiful they set it up and how many people came together, just to make it special, just really amazes me," Staley said.

Connecting with folks like Trish is why the Governor has made this event a family tradition.

“We'll help them with not only a meal, but hopefully we'll see if we can't help them with jobs, and economic opportunities, and keep their families together, get them off the streets,” Herbert said.

Rachel Hechtle is a recovering drug addict. The rescue mission helped turn her life around.

“I have an older girl that's using now and I want to be an example to her and show her that I can change," she said.

People were also given warm clothing free of charge – another gesture the mission hopes will go a long way.

“The good news is there's a lot of people here," Lt. Gov. Cox said. "The bad news is there's a lot of people here. It shows that there's a huge need in our community."

To help donate to Rescue Mission Salt Lake, click here.