Holiday meal gives recipients, volunteers something to be thankful for
Dozens of people gather at the City Mission in Washington to partake in a free Thanksgiving meal Thursday.
A volunteer serves turkey during a free Thanksgiving meal at Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church Thursday.
Volunteers scoop plates of food during a free Thanksgiving meal at Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church Thursday.
A crowd assembles for Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church’s 31st annual Thanksgiving dinner Thursday.
Regardless of who it is shared with, a Thanksgiving meal can be a powerful reminder of all the reasons one has to be thankful.
The City Mission in Washington, served as the perfect example Thursday afternoon as 40 individuals, young and old, crammed around two rectangle tables in the mission’s dining hall. Each person had a different reason for being there, but they all shared in the comfort of a hot, holiday meal.
“I was most looking forward to the atmosphere,” City Mission resident Peter Kostanich said. “I was looking forward to eating with friends and those I have developed a relationship with. This meal is living proof that there’s a lot to be thankful for.”
Kostanich wasn’t alone in his thoughts. Monet Wilson, of Washington, cried as she reflected on her reasons to be thankful.
“These people are magnificent,” she said of the 15 volunteers who spent their day preparing and serving the meal. “God has many blessings in store for those who took the time to make sure we have a Thanksgiving. I thank God for them.”
City Mission prepared enough turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes to serve 120 meals between 3 and 5 p.m. Residents were fed first. At 4:30, the mission opened its doors to the community.
Josh Patragas, assistant food service manager with the mission, said City Mission is a place where people can come to feel welcomed and loved. City Mission is a homeless shelter located at 84 W. Wheeling St.
“We have a responsibility, as believers of Jesus, to feed one another,” he said, “We are blessed to be in a position to do that.”
Lynlee Caliguiri, coordinator for the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church free Thanksgiving meal, agreed. For two hours, between noon and 2 p.m., people flocked to the church’s dining hall. Some came alone while others had family and friends in tow. Either way, they all left with a full belly and a smile.
Completing her sixth year as coordinator, Caliguiri, of Peters Township, said a great deal goes into making Thanksgiving a success, including monetary and food donations from the community and businesses. Thursday was their 31st year providing the community with the meal.
“We have so many people who just want to help,” she said. “All of our pies are donated from local churches, and youth groups made the cookies.”
Caliguiri said the volunteers receive just as much joy as the people they serve.
“I’m blessed,” she said.
Aldene Malesick, of Canonsburg, has become a Thanksgiving regular. A member of the church at 112 W. Pike St., Malesick returns year after year for the tasty food and fellowship.
“Oh boy, is it good,” she said. “It’s a holiday tradition for me. It’s better than Christmas.”
Ray Blanco, of Canonsburg, said he looks forward to the meal every year.
“The food is always good and the workers kind,” he said. “I’m satisfied.”
Bob Loutsion, who own Loutsion Catering Service in Canonsburg, cooked the meal since it the tradition started.
“Instead of sitting at home Thanksgiving morning and doing nothing, I decided to do something good,” Loutsion said. “It’s been a long-standing tradition for me and my family.”
Loutsion added there are many people in the community that are in need, and he is thankful he can do something to help.
“They don’t have anything to eat,” he said. “That’s my way of giving back, feeding people.”
This year, he prepared 265 pounds of turkey for the meal. Whatever is left over will be donated to Houston Meals on Wheels.
Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome and his wife, Kim, were among the group of volunteers. Rhome said Thanksgiving is about sharing with others, and both he and his wife were more than willing to share their time.
“We are so blessed and we want to share that with other folks,” he said. “The smiles on these people’s face, you can’t replace that with anything else.”