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First Presbyterian Church to host community Thanksgiving dinner
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Joy in helping people and heartfelt appreciation of guests reward the 70-some volunteers who prepare and serve the annual community Thanksgiving dinner planned today at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave.
Tuesday and Wednesday saw a whirlwind of activities as volunteers from the church and community prepared Helen Chapel for the nearly 700 expected diners.
The Rev. Carolyn Griffeth, interim pastor, provided a background of the event marking its 35th year. The dinner began in 1980 when the Rev. Bert Campbell, then an associate minister who saw a need to help families, presented the idea to the board of deacons. The deacons continue the tradition as part of the ministry of caring.
“It’s buying into the community we are a part of,” Pastor Griffeth said. “It’s part of our calling to be engaged, and this is one of the ways we do that.”
The pastor and dinner coordinators, Nancy and John Houser and Margie and Glenn Patterson, emphasized that everyone is welcome. Pastor Griffeth said guests represent people who need a warm meal and others who enjoy the fellowship.
The dinner attracts downtown residents, who can easily walk to the church, which also is located on a bus route. Nice weather attracts more people; last year some 600 attended.
Rich Cook, church property manager and member of Disciples Christian Church in Boardman, takes charge of ordering the food. The grocery list includes 175 pounds of turkey breast, 75 pounds of potatoes, 30 institutional-size cans of green beans, 10 trays each with 75 servings of homemade dressing and 70 pumpkin pies.
“We found turkey breasts are the easiest and most economical. There’s no waste,” he said. When the dinner started and for years, whole turkeys were prepared at the church, involving cooking for days. “This is better stewardship of our funds,” Pastor Griffeth added.
The dinner is made possible by financial donations from church members and community friends. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gave a seed grant for the second year. All food is bought from local vendors.
This year, Cook said, the church ordered the pies from Cafe Augustine, a tenant in Newport Public Library, 3730 Market St. The cafe, sponsored by the Diocese of Youngstown, is a work-readiness and personal-growth program that offers job training for people age 16 to 24. “It’s a charitable project, and we wanted to support it because it helps the community,” Cook said.
Cook, who is scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 55, Youngstown’s oldest that was chartered at First Presbyterian, said about 35 Scouts, leaders and parents will be among volunteers serving and cleaning up.
Nancy Houser, a 30-year church member, said she’s volunteered at the dinner for that time. “This event is about people helping people,” she said.
“There’s nothing like that feeling you get when you’re helping someone,” said Glenn Patterson. “People are appreciative, and you feel good about that.”
Margie Patterson, a 57-year church member who has volunteered for every dinner, said the first event motivated her to continue. “The need floored me,” she recalled.
Jean Shives, kitchen coordinator on church staff, said she has volunteered at the dinner. “People are so thankful, and it’s nice to see so many come,” she said.
On Wednesday, volunteers were chopping celery and onions for the stuffing then transferring everything to pans. Today, cranberry sauce, potatoes and green beans will be prepared.
Elizabeth Ayana, originally from Ethiopia, and a church member for 19 years, was among volunteers Wednesday making stuffing. “I love helping people. ... It’s part of my culture and my nature,” she said, adding “I love to cook.”