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Thanks Hot Off The Roaster
Valley couple organizes dinner for needy to show gratitude
By Elise Franco
Austintown
A bit of effort, good cheer and cooking skill were all it took to make a special meal for those less fortunate this Thanksgiving.
Marsha Bucciarelli and her husband, Mike, spent Thursday afternoon serving home-cooked food out of the IT Certification Institute to residents from all over the Mahoning Valley.
Mike Bucciarelli, who owns Buzzard Box Catering in Masury, said he and his wife had talked about organizing a community dinner for some time.
“We just wanted to invite the less fortunate for a meal and give back to society the way it has given to us,” he said.
“Everyone wants to be wanted, from people who are out of work to someone who just wants some company for a few hours.”
Mike Bucciarelli said about 20 volunteers helped cook the food and delivered 100 meals to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority. He said they expected about 60 people to come to the institute for a sit-down dinner.
“People are very receptive to the dinner,” he said. “Some come in with sorrow and sadness on their faces, but once they’re here they’re joyful.”
Marsha Bucciarelli said though the dinner was put together at the last minute, it makes her happy to help even just a handful of people.
“It blesses me,” she said. “I’m so happy when I look out and see how they’re enjoying themselves.”
Donna Emlia of Austintown and a friend sat at one of the tables with their plates full of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans, and their faces full of knowing that so many others don’t get the chance for a warm meal on Thanksgiving.
“There are a lot of people who have children who don’t even bother with them,” Emlia said. “It’s very sad.”
Emlia, who introduced herself to just about everyone who passed the table, said she makes an effort to talk to as many people as possible, as a way to show others that someone cares.
She said the community dinner, and others like it, are also great ways to convey that message.
“No one has to be sad today,” she said.
“This is something homemade ... It’s so nice that they had this [dinner.]”
Marsha Bucciarelli said she and her husband plan to expand the dinner next year, making it an annual Thanksgiving tradition.
“We feel so good about being able to do this for the community,” she said.
“It’s a lot of work, but when everyone helps out, it makes it easy.”