This year brings with it many new challenges for people nationally as well as locally, causing a greater need for service and giving this Thanksgiving.
With that spirit of Thanksgiving, Swift Creek High School is offering a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone in the community who would like to come on November 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at Swift Creek High School (222 E 4th Street) in Afton. Organized by Michelle and Mark Van Slyke, the event continues to grow each year and is designed to welcome anyone who would benefit from a warm meal, friendly company, or a place to gather on the holiday.
The Van Slykes share that, “Love and community make up the spirit that this Thanksgiving dinner is focused upon. As human beings, we have an incredible capacity to extend love to others, but often that love diminishes at the perimeters of our in-groups…We hope this dinner helps to meaningfully extend our communities, thereby extending our love to those individuals that otherwise might go unnoticed.”
“The dinner is hoped to embody love and community, no matter who you are. “It is an event designed to increase acceptance. Everyone is welcome for any reason. If you are traveling through the valley, we want you. If you are stressed with life and simply need a pre-made meal, we want you. If your finances are feeling tight, we want you. If you need to be with other people, we want you. Our job is to love and serve, not to judge.”
The Van Slykes say the dinner is a success because of “the emphasis on love, service, and community… because regardless of how one chooses to participate, this dinner fills needs (as well as stomachs). When love is acted upon, we all benefit, and the feedback we’ve received from our participants in years past clearly communicates that truth. Some serve, others are served, many fill both rolls; and everyone has expressed gratitude.”
They expressed deep appreciation for the volunteers who return each year to help. “We also certainly need to express our personal gratitude for all of the volunteers that have helped us put on our Thanksgiving dinner. We couldn’t do it without all those that are willing to help set up, cook, direct traffic, clean, donate, and all the other actions necessary for hosting this event. There is something simply magically that happens when people gather together for a common purpose.”
Several community partners play a key role in making the dinner possible. The Van Slykes note that “Swift Creek High School has been vital in making this all come together. They let us use their building and many SCHS students volunteer on Thanksgiving day. The staff has also been immensely gracious over the years, often taking on many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that make this dinner possible.”
She added thanks for the Afton Food Pantry and local congregations. “We also whole-heartedly thank the Food Pantry for all of the public outreach they do for us as well as the ingredients that they so selflessly donate. They do so much for the community and we are sincerely grateful for them! Our local church congregations are also instrumental for hosting this dinner because many of our volunteers learn of us through their religious communities, and we are so thankful for their Christ-like dispositions. They cook the majority of the food that we serve Thanksgiving day.”
The Van Slykes say new faces continue to join each year, contributing to a lively and meaningful holiday. “Every year we have new participants that make it even more fun, usually individuals or families.”
Last year’s dinner brought together around 50 volunteers. Extra meals were delivered to community members in need. “We are hoping for at least double that this year, seeing as there are many that we know have lost SNAP benefits and many that have felt the increase in their grocery bills.”
The Van Slykes share a final message with the community saying, “Anyone and everyone is welcome, please come join for even just a piece of pie or to say hello.”
