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Highlands Today

Giving Thanks

KATHY WATERS/HIGHLANDS TODAY

From left: Volunteers Arianna Jordan-Burke and Bea Bode prepare Thanksgiving plates for attendees of the annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday. Volunteer Floyd Cook had two meals made to go so he could deliver lunch to two of his friends.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: November 23, 2007

SEBRING — The Salvation Army looked a lot like a big family gathering on Thanksgiving, with people hugging one another as they walked through the door and many cooks in the kitchen.

Capt. Mary Holmes said the Salvation Army feeds about 75 mouths every Thanksgiving, and most of those people volunteer during the meal as well.

"We usually have as many volunteers as we have diners," Holmes said. "A lot of people don't want to come just for the meal, so they help out as well, and we love having them. To me, people need the fellowship just as much as they need a hot meal."

The diners enjoyed turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberries, rolls and big slices of pie. The turkey was donated by Kiwanis Club, and Village Inn had a pie drive and donated 40 pies.

"Other folks in the community bring in the side dishes, and we are able to put together a nice meal," Holmes said.

Preparations started early in the morning, with volunteers helping with every aspect of the lunchtime meal.

Nick Obrig showed up early to help roll silverware and then he stayed for the meal.

"I don't have any relatives down here, so I would rather donate my time and be around people," Obrig said. "I might as well volunteer."

Tammy Sanders pulled up into the alley next to the Salvation Army to drop off a hot pan of sweet potato casserole.

"It's my mother's signature recipe, and she helped prepare it," Sanders said. "We just feel like we are blessed and we want to give something back."

Mary Jackson walked into the kitchen and felt right at ease.

"I feel like I am at home here," Jackson said, as she unpacked a few grocery bags of supplies. "This year especially, I feel like I have a whole lot to be thankful for, and I don't have family here, so I enjoy being around people and helping out … And if they need me to make mashed potatoes, I can do that too."

Jennifer Rhoades and her children Ben, 7, and Kayle, 5, worked on cutting and plating the many varieties of pies. She brings her children to volunteer every year before they head to her parents' house for dinner.

"I think this is a great way to teach them to be grateful for what we have when they see people who are less fortunate," Rhoades said. "It also teaches them to help out in their community."

John Neal waited for the diners to come so he could take hot meals to their seats.

"I can't write a check for a donation because I don't have the money, but I can give my time," Neal said. "Volunteering is something I really enjoy in life, and I love giving back to the community and letting people know God's love is out there."

Finally the lids came off the food and diners filled their plates with the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Arianna Jordan-Burke scooped healthy helpings onto the trays of the diners and even put together some to-go boxes for people to take home.

"This is a great holiday for us to celebrate and remember what we are thankful for," she said.

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