Beverly’s Hearty Slice is planning a big end to 2023 with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas events and a lock-in at the YMCA.
The organization, which has been feeding the hungry in Owensboro for three years, is providing more than just food these days.
Travis Owsley founded the organization in honor of his mother, Beverly Slaughter, who passed away in 2018.
Every other Friday night, the organization provides food to those in need at Kendall Perkins Park, Loring Heights and Dugan Best.
However, the holiday event will be held at Kendall Perkins Park, Owsley said.
He said it’s important not to ignore those in need during the holidays.
All events begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 7 p.m.
Owsley said Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline donated $4,000 to sponsor both the Oct. 20 Halloween bash and the Nov. 17 Thanksgiving event.
At the Halloween Bash, kids will receive free pizza, candy bags, free costumes donated by Halloween Havoc, and photos with Magical Memories characters.
The Thanksgiving event will feature 200 family-friendly to-go meals, free pizza and music from the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.
Owsley said he hopes to find an indoor venue for the Nov. 17 event.
On Nov. 10, Beverly’s said it would work with the YMCA to lock up 40 children from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
“They will be able to use all of the facilities at the YMCA,” Owsley said. “We haven’t had a lock-in at the YMCA in years.”
The first 40 children who contact the organization on the Beverly’s Hearty Slice Facebook page or email Beverly’sHeartySlice@gmail.com are eligible to participate.
Owsley said his organization is working with Hayley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematorium on the coat drive.
He said coats can be dropped off at the Owensboro Gymnastics and Fitness Center, or you can message them on the Beverly’s Hearty Slice Facebook page and they’ll meet you somewhere.
The Christmas event will be held at the HL Neblett Community Center on Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m.
Children will receive toys and adults will receive 100 $20 gift cards.
Owsley said there will also be a coffee truck.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, five homeless families celebrate the day by spending two nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown.
This is the organization’s second Hope for the Homeless event.
Owsley said Lure Seafood & Grill will offer a family-style buffet dinner both nights.
Each of the five homeless shelters will invite one family to the event.
Louisville’s NextEra Energy sponsors Hope for the Homeless.