The Interfaith Sanctuary provides home-cooked Thanksgiving meals to those in need

BOISE, Idaho — Who doesn’t love a plate full of food on Thanksgiving? At Interfaith Sanctuary, they make sure everyone has a warm place and a warm meal on Thanksgiving.

• Interfaith Sanctuary hosted its first home-cooked Thanksgiving meal for those in need.
• Over 300 people were served a meal that included smoked turkey, stuffing, yams, cranberry chips and salad.
• Interfaith Sanctuary provides shelter and resources for unhoused residents in the Treasure Valley.

(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story.)

“It’s an honor to have dinner for them because I’m a pretty good cook … and they like what I cook – so it’s all a blessing,” says Jeffrey Chapman.

Jeffrey Chapman is the food service trainer for Interfaith Sanctuary. He says he’s always wanted to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for their guests.

Chapman says: “I had a problem when I was young. I took advantage of the community and this is my way of giving back. We have a lot of grumpy people there, but you get that one smile, that one smile,” will just take it all away.

Chapman, along with other staff and volunteers, serve more than 300 people at the Interfaith Sanctuary and Red Lion Hotel combined.

So what’s on the menu? Smoked turkey, stuffing, yams, cranberry crisp and lettuce.

“I’m a holiday person, so I need to make Thanksgiving dinner. I really love our guests. They are like family to me. We’re here all the time, 24 hours a day, so for me it’s like feeding my family,” says Amber Leonard.

Amber Leonard cares for medically fragile guests in Interfaith’s Red Lion Family program.

She helps residents every day and is grateful for another opportunity to give back.

Leonard says, “I love my job and am grateful for my family and friends.”

“I’m grateful for my job, I’m grateful for the place I live, and I’m grateful for Interfaith. They have done so much and are doing so much for the homeless community, it’s amazing,” Chapman added.

All food used for Interfaith’s Thanksgiving meal was donated.

Amber and Jeffrey would like to say a big thank you to the donors and Interfaith Executive Director Jodi Peterson Stigers for all their help.