Mission Thanksgiving 2025: When West Texas Cares, Miracles Happen

For 26 years, Mission Thanksgiving has stood as one of the most powerful examples of what makes our West Texas community so special. When people see a need, they respond with love, generosity, and grit. On Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4001 South 1st Street in Abilene, thousands of West Texans from across the 19 counties that make up the Big Country will unite to support the homeless, hungry, and working poor through Love & Care Ministries.

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This annual drive isn’t just an event, it’s a movement powered by faith, kindness, and community spirit that stretches far beyond city limits.

It All Started With a Truck and a Dream

Mission Thanksgiving began with Seaton Higginbotham, owner of Arrow Ford, who wanted to do something meaningful for those struggling to make ends meet. With Pastor Mark Hewitt and Jim Sayre, the founders of Love & Care Ministries, the mission grew from serving 20 cups of soup out of a pickup truck in 1995 to feeding, clothing, and ministering to thousands across West Texas each year. See the video below.

Today, Love & Care’s Abilene campus at 233 Fannin Street stands as a beacon of hope, offering meals, showers, and compassion to anyone in need.

A Drive-Thru of Hope and Helping Hands

Mission Thanksgiving makes it easy for everyone to be part of the giving. Just drive through Arrow Ford’s parking lot, pop your trunk, and volunteers will unload your donations. You don’t even have to step out of your vehicle.

Each year, families, schools, churches, and businesses join forces to donate vital supplies, proving that when the Big Country gives, it gives big.

Most Needed Items Include:

New socks and underwear (all sizes)
Coats, blankets, and sleeping bags
Boots and warm clothing (men’s especially)
Bottled water and non-perishable foods
Pop-top cans for easy meals
Travel-size hygiene products
Monetary donations (accepted on-site or at Love & Care Ministries)

Can’t make it on November 21? Donations can still be dropped off at Love & Care Ministries before or after the event.

Volunteer and Be the Heart of the Mission

If you’re unable to give material items, you can still give something just as powerful — your time. Volunteers are the heartbeat of Mission Thanksgiving, helping collect, sort, and distribute donations throughout the day.

To volunteer, call 325-670-0246 or visit Love & Care Ministries in Abilene for details on how you can help make a difference.

A Community That Cares

For more than two decades, I’ve had the honor of broadcasting live from Mission Thanksgiving, watching the best of West Texas show up with open hands and open hearts. I’ve seen kids donate their favorite blankets, veterans bring boxes of food, and seniors drop off handmade scarves, all acts of love that ripple through our community long after the day ends.

Mission Thanksgiving is a living reminder that we are stronger together and that compassion is the backbone of West Texas. Check out how Mark Hewitt of Love & Care Ministries got the idea for Love & Care in the video below: