The holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, can be depressing for people who are away from family, who are poor or who are homeless.

And this year it could be worse because of the threat of the Chinese coronavirus.

Help is available. Help is needed.

John 3:16 Mission feeds thousands of people over a five-day period around Thanksgiving Day. The Christian Mission also is hoping to provide 5,000 Thanksgiving baskets – including a turkey and all the trimmings for a genuine holiday dinner – to poor families in Tulsa. They do this every year (and so do some other Tulsa charities).

The Rev. Steve Whitaker, senior pastor and CEO of John 3:16 Mission, said the need is the greatest that he has ever seen in the 32 years of his ministry to the homeless.

Whitaker said there are two basic groups of the homeless – those who want and will accept shelter and help and those who choose to remain unsheltered.

In either category, there are great needs. A hot turkey dinner on Thanksgiving can be a great boost to someone who is down and out.

Tulsans are very generous and caring. People can donate a turkey and other food now as the mission prepares to meet those needs. But even better, the mission is part of a food buying coop and with cash donations they can buy more than individuals can.

The website for the mission is www.John316mission.org. Donations of money, clothing and food can be dropped off at 579 N. 39th W. Ave. The mission telephone number is 918-587-1186.

There are many ways to help the poor and homeless during the holidays. The majority of Tulsans can afford to give something and this is a great time to step up and help your fellow man.