Thanksgiving volunteers hard at work

Browning Springs Middle School’s Leadership Group served Thanksgiving lunch to approximately 300 people at the Salvation Army on Tuesday.

From turkey to stuffing and pie for dessert, people like Paul and his friends were able to enjoy all the Thanksgiving fixings.

This year the Salvation Army served over 100 thanksgiving meals with the help of more than 50 volunteers.

“We have volunteers who are picking up the meals and taking them right to the older adults home or handicapped who need a meal”, she said.

People in the community donated 50 turkeys and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Hatfield provided pounds of chicken and other food, Nancy Garces said, with her daughter translating.

Lieutenant Theresa Torr, of the Taunton Salvation Army, said the appeal had already had a good response.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, which benefits We Care of Grundy County and The Salvation Army, is set to kick off Friday in Morris. For some, there is a basic struggle to get food on the table, much less presents under the Christmas tree, if there is one.

This Thanksgiving, the Jimmie Hale Mission had 77 families deliver 390 meals.

A chance to get in the holiday spirit and help needy families, making a difference this Christmas season. The traditional Red Kettles at many stores are the main source of fund raising that supports the Salvation Army Oneida Service Unit throughout the year. “This opens the door, it open’s the window for kids and for grown-ups to say, “okay, it’s about giving back” and that’s where I find the most joy”, says Lutman. “It means community. Coming together and supporting those that are less fortunate”.