The American tradition of Thanksgiving revolves around a lavish meal, usually with turkey as the centerpiece, and in most families a special prayer of thanks is offered prior to gathering around the table.
For those not as fortunate, organizations in the area including the Roanoke Rescue Mission, Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM), and Local Office of Aging (LOA) Meals on Wheels rise to the occasion.
Since 1948, the Rescue Mission has continued a tradition of comprehensive care to those in crisis. The Roanoke Rescue Mission’s recent motto for beginning Thanksgiving Day is “moving your feet so others can eat!” Since 2006, the StellarOne Drumstick Dash 5K Run & Family Walk has raised funds to help provide food and safe shelter for an average of 366 people each night.
Last year’s 5,000 runners, walkers, strollers, volunteers and well-behaved dogs participated in the event, which raised $150,000. As of Friday, November 20, more than 5,500 participants had registered to participate. Roanoke Rescue Mission’s Director of Development & Administration Lee Clark said, “The goal is to have 7,500 participants.” Families coming from 26 different states came together last year to make this the largest road race in the region.
Registration in person continues Monday through Wednesday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and Thanksgiving morning from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the Rescue Mission located at 402 4th Street, S.E. The 4th Annual StellarOne Drumstick Dash starts at 9:00 a.m. near the intersection of Williamson and Franklin Roads. “If the weather is good, we literally have hundreds of people sign up on Thanksgiving Day,” said Clark.
People will gather for the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s “Thanksgiving Feast” at 1 p.m. and will eat in shifts; there will be music playing in the waiting area. The meal includes turkey, ham, and all the fixins’ (over 350 pounds of mashed potatoes!) as well as hundreds of pies donated by individuals. Approximately 140 volunteers will be on duty to help, according to Clark.
Roanoke Area Ministries Executive Director Debbie Denison said their Thanksgiving meal would be served beginning at noon at the RAM House Day Shelter located at 824 Campbell Avenue, S.W.
On December 7, 1987, RAM opened its doors as a day shelter facility with the belief that all people deserve safe shelter and a hot meal. The shelter provides access to a washer and dryer, personal hygiene items, a day-labor program, employment program, a place to turn for emergency financial assistance, and a hot meal. RAM collects hats, coats, gloves, and socks each winter to give to people in need.
The shelter is open daily. Volunteers work with staff members in the kitchen, shelter, administrative offices and financial aid office when needed and they keep the pantry organized, make food deliveries and assist with special events. The annual Thanksgiving luncheon is a highlight of the year for some; it is a chance to gather, say a prayer and then break bread in fellowship.
Unlike previous years, the Local Office on Aging (LOA) will be delivering the ‘Meals on Wheels’ turkey dinner the day prior to Thanksgiving along with an extra bagged lunch. LOA officials say delivery on the actual holiday has become cost prohibitive.
The Meals on Wheels program serves a hot, nutritious lunch to more than 500 homebound senior citizens [age 60 and older] located in the Fifth Planning District. Seniors that are screened as a higher nutritional risk receive breakfast as well. The senior must be unable to prepare a mid-day meal with no one available or willing to prepare the meal for them. Spouses and disabled dependents under age 60 may also qualify.
Those who may be eligible for Meals on Wheels or anyone interested in volunteering may contact the Local Office on Aging by calling the LOA office in their area: Roanoke Valley (540) 345-0451, Botetourt County (540) 966-1094, Craig County (540) 864-6031. LOA also has a corporate volunteer program.
LOA Staff will be calling all meal recipients and volunteers will be adopting seniors who have no family for Thanksgiving.
By Susan Ayers [email protected]