Sandra Blum, host and lead coordinator of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner for over 10 years shared, “This for me is truly the best holiday! This is when we come together and celebrate friendship and create new ones. This is the day two different walks of life came together and celebrated with a meal. In a world where division reigns, know that no matter who you are and where you came from, you are always welcome to sit at my table and enjoy a hot and home cooked meal. My heart is that even if we only fed one person for Thanksgiving, then I count that as a success! Bringing the community together to serve and share a meal is everything! The bonds and connections that happen bring deep healing to our friends and neighbors. We live in a world where everyone is so divided. Not in my kitchen, not at my table. We share love and respect for those around us. Not just the folks who are struggling to get by, but anyone and everyone. Our community Thanksgiving is to be just that community!”

There was an amazing turnout of volunteers from all over the community, young and old who pitched in to help with the dinner. With 150 pounds of potatoes peeled and cooked, 25 turkeys were roasted — eight of those 25 turkeys were designated to go out cooked and whole with all the trimmings, so that families could sit and eat a complete dinner together. Take-out meals were picked up and even delivered to people all across the area. Family style meals went out to local families including the residents of the Ruth Smith Care Center and meals to the Crossing Cafe.

“The veterans who reside at the center came down and ate with us, which touched my heart deeply. I am a daughter of a Vietnam veteran and I am proud of my father’s service to our country, ” Blum said.

In the weeks leading up to the dinner, the center’s kitchen was readied for service and food preparations began several days in advance. But the volunteer team didn’t stop there. Blum shared the next day that she was also arranging food to be delivered to the WARRN (Warren Area Refugee Resettlement Network) Refugees Friendsgiving event and preparing a meal for the Family Services recovery center. She will also cap the weekend by joining her church family for a Christgiving fellowship meal on Sunday.

Members of the team took time to help prepare the Thanksgiving meal at the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center in Clarendon, Pa.

Hosted by community volunteers and friends of Sheffield and the surrounding areas, their goal is one of, “Together, we are giving thanks and feeding hope.”

From left, State Rep. Kathy Rapp, Sandra Blum and Steve Wordon pray that Allegheny Valley Veterans Center Board President, also mayor of Clarendon, Tom Eaton, gets all systems go for the dinner.