SPOKANE, Wash. – Union Gospel Mission welcomed hundreds of guests Wednesday evening for its annual Thanksgiving dinner — a long-running tradition that has become a holiday lifeline for many in Spokane.
UGM has hosted community Thanksgiving meals for more than four decades. For many who walk through the doors, the event represents far more than turkey and stuffing. It’s a moment of family, recovery, and connection.
James Jones, an alumnus of the Mission’s Life Recovery Program, said this dinner marks his second Thanksgiving since graduating.
“The fact that it gave me the ability to find myself and be one with God again and leave my past behind as far as my addiction,” Jones said.
He added that returning each year feels like coming home.
“Oh yeah I got a lot of brothers here and a lot of people I work with that are still family as being alumni,” he said.
This year’s feast included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and two kinds of pie — enough for more than 250 people. The meal was prepared by staff, volunteers and men currently in recovery.
Lead production chef Ryan Kolsrud said the turnout can vary, but their goal stays the same.
“We prepare for like 250 people, but it varies a little bit… but that’s the number we’re aiming for,” he said.
He added that the dinner is special because it gives guests a restaurant-style experience.
“There’s a lot of hands involved and it’s a real team effort… we feed a lot of people and there’s a lot of like super smiley faces coming in that get to be served restaurant style,” he said.
Volunteers of all ages also pitched in — including some serving for the first time.
“It makes me feel happy to know that I’m helping people,” said volunteer Victoria Baumgartner.
UGM alumni had a table of their own, giving former program participants a chance to reconnect. Many say the Mission helped them rebuild their lives.
“I had a 33 year addiction to meth… seven years clean… thanks to UGM and thanks to God getting me to where I need to be,” said Ken Van Sant, a UGM Motors sales manager and program graduate.
Throughout the dining hall, guests shared stories of hope, recovery, and gratitude. Jones encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to reach out for help.
“I encourage each and every person out there that struggles with addiction to give it a try… there’s a way out of it… and the Lord’s waiting for every one of us,” he said.
The evening wrapped up with full plates, full hearts and a strengthened sense of community — something many say embodies the true spirit of Thanksgiving at Union Gospel Mission.
