BUFFALO, N.Y. — The pastor of the Buffalo Dream Center, who lives on the streets of Buffalo during the Thanksgiving week, is doing it for the last time.
Pastor Eric Johns has slept outside, in shelters, and has eaten in soup kitchens to spend his Thanksgiving holiday with the homeless for the past 25 years.
He will begin his stay outside on the front lawn of the Buffalo Dream Center at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20 and end on Saturday, November 25. His two sons, ages 19 and 20, will also be staying with him and plan on taking over the operation after this year.
Pastor Johns and the Buffalo Dream Center work together on bringing awareness of homelessness to the community.
“This year we will help more families than ever. Although this is my final year living on the streets, Boxes of Love will continue for many years to come," Pastor Johns said.
As food prices are causing families to struggle, the center will assist more than 1,000 households monthly through its mobile food pantry as well.
Following the Thanksgiving season, the centers Christmas Campaign called Boxes of Love, will begin its charity to provide for 3,500 families. Volunteers throughout December will distribute wrapped children's gifts and packed foods throughout Western New York.
For more information: http://www.buffalodreamcenter.org/