Over 650 people received a warm meal for the holiday Thursday and didn’t have to spend the day alone. None of this could have occurred if not for the generosity of the community of Frankfort. Approximately 450 meals were delivered to residents in their homes and approximately 200 were served at the Neighborhood Center, including volunteers.
A committee made up of volunteers organizes and executes the meal with ease. The same committee has been in place for four years and each year, the process becomes more smooth. Preparing the meal is no small undertaking and involves planning months in advance. The actual preparation for the meal begins the day before and includes a team of volunteers executing as much prep work as possible. Over 140 pies were received as donations this year and all are cut and packaged the day before the meal. This allows the day of the meal to run smoothly and also allows for any last minute emergencies to be fixed.
Fundraising begins a month before the meal takes place and donations are accepted up until the day of the meal. Donations of food and supplies also occur before the meal. This year, the community stepped up and provided several key items, thus reducing the cost of the overall budget. Donations include dish rags, water, bacon, aluminum pans, butter, trash bags, and tea, just to name a few. The smallest of donations is just as important as the big financial donations and is appreciated just the same. This meal could not be offered if not for donations.
And the meal could not be executed without volunteers. Approximately 130+ people volunteered their time to prepare, package and deliver the meals. And who could forget about the set up and clean up? The list of tasks involved is long and volunteers are organized based upon need and availability. The person who bags the trash is just as important as the person serving on the line. Attitudes are always positive and very giving.
According to Daisy Shoemaker, a committee member, “Our goal is for no one to eat alone and everyone to have a warm meal for the holiday. The community of Frankfort provides for this meal and blesses their own residents. Many donations or acts of kindness occur and public recognition does not always occur. We want you to know that we see you, we appreciate you, and we are blessed because of you. And for this, we are forever thankful to be a part of the community of Frankfort.”