More than 30 residents were in a giving mood at Zion Lutheran Church’s annual Thanksgiving dinner Thursday.
The event has taken place for more than 30 years. This year’s dinner was a collaboration between Zion Lutheran Church and Presbyterian Church and served at least 150 community members.
Zion Lutheran Church member Mikki Moesch has coordinated the event for eight years and credited volunteers and donors for dedicating their time, resources and energy.
Evergreen Care Center donated turkeys, while pies were provided by Angie’s Main Cafe, and the Resurrection Church contributed bread.
Volunteers began setting up for the dinner on Tuesday. Presbyterian Church members aided in delivering food to shut-ins or individuals unable to be present at the dinner.
“We have never had a problem finding volunteers. There are plenty. We have people show up on Thursday and simply ask if they could help,” Moesch said.
One of the volunteers was Lilli Benzinger, who has pitched in to help for the last three years along with her daughter, Sarah.
“I like how the people come together … we like to volunteer at other places,” said Benzinger, who also dedicates her time to the Shawano County Humane Society.
Moesch, who said the event was open to any religious denominations, agreed with Benzinger on the community camaraderie and has been beneficial to some residents.
“This is open to anyone, this is not just a needs based meal, this meal is for anyone who happens to be home by themselves … We have many singles that come here, and have children in other communities, just for the Fellowship,” Moesch said.
Moesch said other examples are people whose spouses are out hunting, or older widowed residents.
Neil Ashenbrenner of Shawano said the meal has greatly impacted his life and gives him a place to go due to limited family contacts.
The 32-year-old has been on disability since being injured in a car accident several years ago, resulting in head and leg injuries, and reducing his employment opportunities.
“I came here last year, and it was nice, so I came back this year to get to know people,” said Ashenbrenner, who also seeks out other community events due to being alone.
Categories
