No One Eats Alone
Hunger and Health Coalition brings community together for Thanksgiving

By Sherrie Norris
It’s Thanksgiving Day, you’re home alone, with no family or friends around to share your holiday. Thanks to the efforts of the Hunger and Health Coalition and dozens of faithful volunteers, you do not have to spend the day alone.

No one should have to miss eating turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving Day, and that is just one of the reasons behind the upcoming 22nd annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, sponsored by the Hunger and Health Coalition, with the help of many friends in and around Watauga County. Sharing in the ongoing success of what has become a highly anticipated tradition, hundreds of individuals see the event as a blessing, and not just those on the receiving end.
According to Kim Winebarger, director of client services at the Hunger and Health Coalition, it is a rewarding time for everyone involved.

For more than two decades, the effort has brought the community together to serve and share on Thanksgiving Day at the First Baptist Church dining hall on West King Street in downtown Boone.
This year promises to be no different, as a traditional holiday dinner will be served on Thursday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., featuring turkey and all the trimmings, with volunteers from all walks of life ready and willing to set up, serve, deliver and clean up afterward.

“The annual Thanksgiving dinner is a favorite among staff and volunteers,” Hunger Coalition executive director Compton Fortuna said. “This is a time of year when we are all remembering the many things we have to be thankful for, and the community dinner is a special holiday tradition that gives us the opportunity to give back and make a difference.”

The staff agrees with many families who see this opportunity to volunteer “as much a part of our own holiday tradition as turkey and pumpkin pie.”

The coalition extended a “big” thank-you to all those who make it possible, especially to Woodlands for providing the turkey and trimmings; Makoto’s for the carrots; Coca-Cola for the beverages. “Woodlands also brings pumpkin pies, but we welcome volunteers to bring other desserts, as well,” Winebarger said.

Take-out meals will be available, as well as in-home deliveries for those unable to come to the church.
Requests for deliveries should be made as soon as possible prior to Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve and clean up.Musicians are needed to share their talents during the mealtime, as well.
For more information, or to volunteer, call KimWinebarger at (828) 262-1628.

The Hunger and Health Coalition is a member agency of the High Country United Way.