Helping hands pitch in with milestone dinner

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- An automatic potato peeler has made the task of preparing Thanksgiving dinner for almost a thousand people easier.
But the human connection, the original motivation, remains the spiritual force behind the community Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave.
This was the 25th year for the annual event, which was Thursday at the downtown church. Some 900 people attended and enjoyed a meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie.
Judy Elliott has been involved for 17 years in the project sponsored by church deacons. She has served as a deacon and moderator. Though she's no longer a deacon, her know-how in organizing the huge dinner is invaluable.
"I remember the first one because I was friends with the women who organized it," she said, naming Sue Gomez and Margaret McMichael as her mentors. They remain church members but have passed the torch to younger members of the congregation. Others involved in the early years of the dinner are deceased.
Looking back
"In those early years, I can remember roasters with turkeys in them plugged in all over the place. That was when we did the whole turkey from scratch," she explained. "And we pared potatoes for days."
In the beginning, the dinner was for those who might not have family and friends to share the Thanksgiving meal, Elliott said. Those attending were in the church community and surrounding neighborhoods.
The dinner has retained its community appeal. But it has evolved into something much bigger. It draws senior citizens from downtown complexes, families with children, and a host of other people from various walks of life. For some, this will be their Thanksgiving dinner because of financial and family circumstances.
"It is a community outreach of our church and it has helped a lot of people. I know people are grateful," Elliott said. "And it teaches you to be grateful for what you have."
As the number of the guests attending the dinner increased, other changes also had to follow. Last year, Elliott said 800 attended and the year before, 900.
Though that number seems staggering, planning makes it manageable. "We start in the summer and go into September," Elliott said.
Offering to help
As November approaches, various tasks are assigned and volunteers offer help. "It takes the full cooperation of volunteers," she said. "People just come forward to help."
Elliott said volunteers come from Protestant Family Services and the church Boy Scout Troop 99. "People call and volunteer to help out," Elliott said of community residents and members of other churches. Because the dinner is a holiday institution of sorts, many people know about it and enjoy pitching in, Elliott said.
Some help with setting up, cooking, serving, cleaning and security. Still others may donate food and businesses give discounts, Elliott said. "Most of the food is bought by the church," she said. This year, an anonymous donor provided all the potatoes, celery and onions. After dinner expenses are paid, Elliott said leftover money is donated to local food pantries.
As people arrive for dinner, each gets a number and files into the sanctuary. Accommodations are made for people in wheelchairs, with walkers and those with special needs.
How it works
The first 225 people are seated in the social hall at tables decorated with seasonal centerpieces. As they finish dinner and leave, the next group of numbers is called and people go into the hall. While they're waiting, there's musical entertainment in the sanctuary. Along the way, children receive coloring books and crayons.
Master of ceremonies was Scott Davis, a church elder. Doug Goodman, a deacon, arranged entertainment.
"I've peeled potatoes, cleaned up and cooked. As long as I don't have to sing," Davis said. "You can find Christ in this building. I think of the church as a beacon of help."
Goodman said it is nice to see so many people pitching it to the make the dinner a success.
Cherry Poteet, who was in charge of cooking this year, said "offering hospitality is one of the goals of the church." About 350 pounds of turkey was cooked and the stuffing was homemade.
As guests file by what's called "the pie room," they can see hundreds of slices set out on tables waiting to be served. It's a tempting sight. This year, 125 pies were sliced and topped with whipped cream.
The Rev. Dr. Nick Mager, who is in his third year as pastor, said he likens the Thanksgiving dinner to the feeding of the 5,000 in the Bible. "If everyone is willing to share, everyone will be fed," he said.
"People are willing to share in so many ways ... donating money, food, time and talent. It shows how generous and kind people really are. This is a mechanism that allows people to express kindness," the Rev. Dr. Mager said. "So many people come forth and that's part of the miracle."
He said his duty is as "principal greeter" at the event where "everyone is welcome at God's table."
linonis@vindy.com