Local Charities Make the Holidays Special for Everyone
By: Meredith Hillgartner
Updated: November 21, 2012
Nothing smells better than a turkey in the oven but what about 50 turkeys?
"We have actually cooked our own turkeys made our own bread dressing," Bellair said.
Both the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels said they are trying to make sure everyone has a happy Thanksgiving this year.
"t takes at least two weeks in advance of prepping and getting donations and getting everything that we need for it," Ramirez said.
Robert Ramirez is the head chef for the Salvation Army.
He said he is getting help from some special volunteers today for their big dinner tomorrow.
"It's good because it shows everyone who is involved in the community," Ramirez said.
Lorrie Bellair, Executive Director for Meals on Wheels said the meals they sent out today to feed over 620 people, are more than just something to eat.
"People who are homebound," Bellair said. "People who are alone ,they don't have family and so our volunteers that actually go out and deliver these meals, they're like their family and the people look so forward to this."
Meals on Wheels and the Salvation army said they are grateful for all their volunteers but there are a few faces hanging around today that most people would recognize.
"Today we are volunteering at the Salvation Army and helping them get ready for the thanksgiving meal that they will have tomorrow so we've been cooking and doing a whole bunch of different stuff to help them get ready," Bokenkamp said.
The Lady Raider basketball team showed off their cooking skills at the Salvation Army today.
Senior Mary Bokenkamp said it is important to show the people they care.
"For us to come here I mean some people might not have the opportunity to be with family on Thanksgiving or have a place to go," Bokenkamp said. "So being able to come here and help out when we have the time to is a blessing to us and we enjoy it."
And KLBK's own Evan Onstat lent a hand at Meals on Wheels, delivering food to some grateful people like Helen Smith.
"Well its been a lifesaver really," Smith said.
