A beautiful painting by Hongnian Zhang depicts Thanksgiving dinner at the Woodstock Community Center.
A true Woodstock tradition returns to its home as Family of Woodstock will hold its 40th annual Thanksgiving Feast 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, November 26 at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center on Rock City Road.
Last year, Family of Woodstock scrambled to bring its annual Thanksgiving Dinner to life. The Community Center, long the home of the feast, was closed for renovations. The Overlook Methodist Church was secured as an alternative and arrangements made for rides and food deliveries. Then it snowed on Wednesday, creating a treacherous situation for those picking up food from area restaurants and supermarkets.
Family ended up serving hundreds of people wonderful food out of its tiny Walk In Center in Woodstock. Turkeys were carved upstairs and generous portions of side dishes and desert were handed out to individuals and families. Hundreds of meals were packed “to go.”
“It was an amazing effort,” said Tamara Cooper, Program Director at the Family Hotline and Walk In Center. “Serving the food while answering the Hotline calls was a real challenge. The meal was a huge success, as it always is, but we are so happy not to have to do that again. We are looking forward to the comforts of the newly renovated Community Center.”
With support from local businesses and individuals, Family provides a spectacular feast each Thanksgiving, free of charge. Everyone is welcome to join in. It is a great opportunity to mix with neighbors and meet new people as well.
Family extends an open invitation to all. “It’s what Thanksgiving is all about,” says Cooper.
If you want to help, you can still call Family at 679-2485. If not, just show up and have a fine dinner with your community.