Community Thanksgiving meal brings people back for seconds

After a successful inaugural community Thanksgiving meal was held in Trimble in 2017, hundreds came back for seconds on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Kids on Campus, a program of the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University, partnered with the Ohio University Student Social Work Association (SSWA) to create the Trimble Thanksgiving Dinner. Prior to last year, SSWA put together food boxes but the team-up with Kids on Campus allowed for the creation of a larger effort with a community-focused impact.

“I knew I wanted to do a big, family-style project instead of food boxes to promote the community-minded spirit here,” said Courtney Morefield, Kids on Campus program coordinator for Trimble Local Schools. “The Trimble area has a super strong sense of community. Everyone comes together to pack stadiums and gymnasiums. They come together at the Old Settler’s Reunion and Boxing for Books. They support their students and we wanted to provide a space for them do what they do best; spend time together and celebrate each other.”

Wednesday evening, hundreds packed Trimble Middle School and had their fill of turkey, corn, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, noodles, rolls and pumpkin pie.

New this year was the presentation of door prizes that included three bicycles, a scooter, two Thanksgiving baskets and a gift card from Texas Roadhouse. The bikes were a big hit as lucky winners took to the floor to show their skills.

Area resident Dennis Pitts was back for a second year with his granddaughter and said he enjoyed both the food and the company. Another parent commented that she liked the opportunity to get to talk to everyone in attendance, adding, “I think this is really nice. Everything Kids on Campus does for the kids is really nice.”

Glouster Mayor Miles Wolfe, Trimble School Board Member Dave Owen and Trimble Mayor Doug Davis were among those in attendance.

“I think this is great,” Davis said as he served up a piece of carved turkey to a guest. “A lot of people turned out.”

“Some kids aren’t able to have a great Thanksgiving all the time so this is a great thing for them and I enjoy being here,” he added.

Morefield was pleased with the turnout as well.

“A lot of people work really hard to make this happen,” she said. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback so I hope to one day have a 30th annual Trimble Thanksgiving Dinner.”