We want to thank our donors and volunteers for making the 24th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner a complete success. To quote our founder, Minister Debi Spinner, “Giving is not a one-person show. It’s the community coming together to make things happen.” You as a community came together, and it resulted in our biggest and best event ever! Because of you, 1,005 meals were served to individuals across Page County on Thanksgiving Day. This is a new record, up from 828 meals served in 2023. We served 364 dine-in meals, 483 carry-out meals, and volunteer drivers delivered 158 meals.
While the meal is the Thanksgiving Day Dinner focal point, it is ultimately always about the people. They are the reason Minister Debi Spinner started this event more than 20 years ago and are the reason it continues today. Debi founded the event on her love of God, her love for people, and her sincere desire to serve her community. The Thanksgiving Day Dinner never fails to draw people together while blessing those of us who donate and serve, as well as those who receive.
A few of the highlights from this year’s event include:
• A family from Pittsburgh, here on vacation, saw one of our flyers and volunteered to help us set up the day before Thanksgiving. Following their visit, they sent a thank-you message stating, “It was a wonderful experience for my family to be able to help. What a great example for my children to see what is truly important during this holiday season.”
• While the event was still in progress, we received a call from a Vietnam veteran. His neighbor had picked up and delivered a meal to him. He wanted to express his gratitude for our generosity. He said he would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner if it were not for our event.
• For the first time this year, we received donations from individuals outside our community who just wanted to be a blessing to others, regardless of where they lived.
• Two of our volunteer drivers delivered a meal to an elderly gentleman who had boxes of donated goods sitting on his porch. Recognizing that the gentleman wasn’t able to put the food away, the drivers stayed to help him, allowing him time to enjoy some company.
• A number of individuals and families, being new to the area, came to serve as an opportunity to meet and make some new friends.
• Some of our guests shared that they came to the event to keep from being alone on Thanksgiving. These are often our most grateful guests. The event not only provides them with the company they’re seeking, but it also gives them the opportunity to see some old friends and make some new ones.
• While there was not a lot of food left following the event, we were able to donate several cases of non-perishable items to the West Luray Recreation Center, also known as The REC.
• Many families took advantage of the photo both and captured memories they will be able to enjoy for years to come.
Again, thank you for making the 24th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner such a success. Your kindness and generosity have touched the lives of so many people in a meaningful way.
Terri Mayes ~ On behalf of all annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner organizers & volunteers
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