The Healing Place to host free Thanksgiving feast for anyone in need

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Healing Place in Wilmington opening its doors to anyone in need for the organization’s second annual free Thanksgiving feast.

Last year, the feast saw around 600 attendees. This year is expected to host 600-900 people. 

Employees, volunteers, and clients cooking throughout the night Wednesday to prepare.  

“70 turkeys, 35 cases of turkey breast, we have ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, collard greens, everything you can think of,” Director Megan Weber-Youssefi said. 

In total, the feast takes nearly two days of non-stop work to prepare.  

The Healing Place provides addiction recovery for 200 resident clients. They also regularly serve the community through an emergency shelter and soup kitchen.  

Director Megan Weber-Youssefi said providing a place to eat for the community is central to the nonprofit’s mission.  

“We’ve opened our doors pretty much for all the big events to let people know we’re here, we’re going to provide food, fellowship, and a place where people can feel like they’re among family no matter who they’re with,” Youssefi said. 

Food Service and Dietary Coordinator Dylan Andrews said working in the soup kitchen can also be a part of the healing process for those in addiction recovery.  

“It helps them feel like they’ve earned where they are in life and it’s a way for them to get away from the darker stuff in their past,” Andrews said. 

For Andrews, that goal of helping others is personal.  

“There’ve been times in my life where I’ve really struggled. I mean not just financially, but just with the family dynamic, or not having friends, or not being close enough,” Andrews explained. “So to be able to open the doors and have one gigantic family, which is the Wilmington community, be able to sit down, it just means the world to me.” 

If you or someone you know needs a place to eat or find community this Thanksgiving, the Healing Place Thanksgiving Feast will run from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at 1000 Medical Center Drive.