Sylvester celebrated Thanksgiving with a community meal for all those who needed somewhere to celebrate the holiday. It was emphasized that everyone was welcomed, no matter the reason.
Jason Orr, along with some of his family friends, helped the less fortunate in previous years and decided he wanted to do something more this year. “I don’t want it to feel like it’s just for the financially restrained people,” said Orr. “I don’t want to turn people off to come because they think it’s just for the needy. The dinner is for everyone.”
“There are people that just need a place to go and don’t have family,” Orr continued. “It gives everyone a place to come because everyone’s needs are different.”
Little did he know that the community wanted to help in any way they could to make the community Thanksgiving meal a success. Orr said, “My phone has gone off day and night since I’ve made the Facebook post.”
The location was in the Sumner Room at the Margaret Jones Public Library. Guests were greeted with tables of books to read and
a buffet-style line with all sorts of Thanksgiving classic foods. DJ PHUN, otherwise known as Shaphan Jenkins, volunteered his entertainment
services to make the environment more welcoming to the public.
“There have been individuals that have donated. Sweet Carolines allowed us to use their kitchen. There have also been a lot of volunteers,” Orr continued. “Without the help, the event was just an idea.”
The biggest challenge for Orr has been coordinating volunteers. He said, “I’ve always been a wing-it kind of guy. Otherwise, the event has all came together well.”
Karen Rackley volunteered to serve plates and set up tables. “I saw Jason post about the Thanksgiving event. I think it’s wonderful for the community and I had to jump in and help,” said Rackley.
“Worth County has always been strong in supporting efforts to strengthen our community bonds,” she continued. “People here just take
care of their own.”
Caden Emerson, ABAC freshman, also volunteered at the event with the goal of strengthening community bonds. “It makes me feel good to help people get what I get and eat and be healthy,” said Emerson.
Orr wants anyone that visited and got a plate to leave feeling supported. Orr said, “Our community cares about each other; we can come together when we need to, and this dinner is a perfect example of that.”
Sylvester can expect more community Thanksgivings organized by Orr in the years to come. “I’ve already had people come up to me calling it, ‘the first annual.’ The way things are going, we might have to find a bigger space,” said Orr.
If you want to volunteer at this event, contact Orr through his Facebook page. If Sylvester is not in reach for you to volunteer, consider
starting this initiative in your community.
Orr said, “Just be involved and have a positive influence in your community. It’s easy to sit back and say someone doesn’t do something, so
be the one to do it.”