MAMGA Heartwarming Thanksgiving: Mobile, AL (WPMI) On the eve of Thanksgiving, as many prepare for festive feasts, others facing home and food insecurity find solace in events like MAMGA’s inaugural Crowned and Loved gathering. This community-focused initiative targets those in need, offering more than just a hot meal.
“Pretty good menu out here, says Angel Portillo, a homeless man. Beef and legs, chicken thighs, chicken legs, macaroni and cheese.”
Cathedral Square hosted a gathering of people, lining up for a warm meal with all the fixings. Angel Portillo, grateful for the support, shares, “Coming from the struggle, I mean I can’t really get a plate to eat every day. I really appreciate the help from the community.”
“Find ways to give back to the community civically to make Mobile a much better place, and today is just one of those events,” says Eric Finley with the Mobile Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA).
MAMGA, dating back to 1938, emphasizes its commitment to community service. Eric Finley notes that the organization’s contribution extended beyond a hot meal, including backpacks, mens and womens clothes, shoes, hand sanitizer, and even services like licensed insurance agents, legal and housing assistance, along with a shower station.
“We all see people when we stop at the traffic lights, and it doesn’t hurt to smile and speak to them, and today we wanted to do more, says Finley. “We want to crown everyone with a bundle of love.”
The event’s attendees felt the love as they danced and shared moments of fellowship. One homeless man expressed gratitude, stating that both he and his dog, Little Princess, had a meal. He considers it a blessing, saying, “As long as she’s got food, I’m happy. I would actually go without eating just to feed her. It was good.”
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