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Thanksgiving volunteer: ‘It seemed like the right thing to do’

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer 6:41 PM Thursday, November 26, 2009

About 25 people were standing in line on Front Street when the doors opened Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at First St. John United Church of Christ for a free feast.

Regardless of how they got there — some walked, rode bicycles or scooters or drove their cars — all were thankful for the meal and fellowship.

Volunteers did some preparation Wednesday night and began cooking in earnest about 8 a.m., roasting turkeys, peeling potatoes, cooking up side dishes and baking rolls to serve about 200 to 250 people.

“We have people here from all walks of life, Some have money and some have nothing,” said Bill McCalley, church member and one of about 30 volunteers. “We are here because there is a need.”

Charlene Hubbard of Hamilton, sporting a festive Christmas sweatshirt, attended with her young granddaughters and friend Ray Bates.

“We are thankful for the food,” Hubbard said with a smile, “Times are tough.”

She was involved in a car accident a week ago and getting her vehicle repaired added to her strained budget, she said.

Holly Espy served drinks and talked with diners making sure they got enough to eat. Espy, of Washington D.C., is visiting her parents, Dick and Donna Morris, for the holiday and chose to volunteer along with her sister.

“It seemed like the right thing to do,” she said.

John Price rode his bike all the way from Overpeck near Trenton for the meal. The downturn in the economy has hit him hard, noting he has four vehicles but no money to fix them.

It didn’t stop him from thanking volunteers who filed his coffee cup.

“Happy Thanksgiving to you,” he said with a smile.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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