Church hosts free Thanksgiving dinner

This is the second year the dinner has been held at the neighboring Christ Church Episcopal, 431 Union St., while the First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren St., undergoes repairs. Between the two of them, about 1,000 people were served on Thursday.

Nancy Pfeil said she’s been coming to eat for about 10 years.

“It is nice for people to be able to come here if they don’t have a family”, she said. Jules, the Archers’ eight year-old daughter, chatted cheerfully with Getchel, who shared a little about herself.

“We were alone, and it was just terrible”, Carol Berridge said. “Their generosity is how we are able to continue what we do”.

Emma Maki, 5, was a volunteer in charge of handing out dinner rolls. Pastor Samuel Merriweather says today marks 25 years that he has spearheaded this effort. The meal couldn’t be possible without their sponsors, Discover Downtown Middlesboro, David Whitlock-Edward Jones, Home Federal Bank and Penelope Media Group.

Even though it was an early start for her, Rodriguez said she stayed focused on the reason for being there, to make a difference in someone else’s life. “And it’s fun to cook something different for a change”.

Matt Crawford said he has been volunteering for the event for the last five years. “Everybody is really friendly, it feels close”. “We usually have Thanksgiving dinner here, and we dine here all the time”, Daren said. “We’re supposed to go out and help the people and sow the seed for Christ”.

Alongside Eash on Thanksgiving Day were members Charmel and Lupe Moreno, who arrived at the church at 6 a.m., to warm and pack the prepared food for the Grovetown crew.

“It’s a great volunteer activity because we gain as much as we give”.

“I’d probably be in my pajamas watching TV”, said Vera Michelson.

“We wanna be there for them, we want them to know, you have somewhere to go and your community is here for you”, Medina said.

That strong emphasis on community helped West through a holiday away from home and family.

Volunteers begin cooking on Monday.

This year, almost 300 people gave thanks for a delicious meal complete with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and delicious cake for dessert.

“We’ve got a good start on Christmas”, he said.

Lisa Lynch, of Ashtabula, said she has been very blessed and volunteers, “Because it is the right thing to do”.

Gretchen Otto, 79, and Chris Gragg, 65, both Marietta residents, sat together over dessert at one of the tables. “This event brings a large turnout, and there is lots of fellowship”.

“I’m sort of the chief cook and bottle washer back in the kitchen”.