By Nicole Warren / Volunteer Manager, Homage Senior Services
Many of us are fortunate enough to be surrounded by family and friends over the holidays, but for some, this is a difficult time of year.
For homebound seniors, days like Thanksgiving can be especially challenging. What should be a celebration of family, friends and good food is, for many, a vivid reminder of their hunger for both food and friendship.
Here in Snohomish County, volunteers literally transform this lonely day into a celebration of gratitude.
Thanks to support from the community, Homage Senior Services has been able to purchase and deliver meals for more than 300 seniors and people with disabilities on Thanksgiving morning for the last eight years.On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, 20 volunteers arrived at the Carl Gipson Senior Center in downtown Everett to prep and package turkey, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, salad, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Early the next morning, another round of 20 volunteers arrived at the center to set up, assemble the meals and help prepare for the morning deliveries. Volunteers and staff shared stories of Thanksgiving traditions and enjoyed each other’s company.
By 10 a.m., the last batch of 60 volunteers made up of families, community members and corporate groups including Fortive, Kalani Packaging and A’viands began delivering Thanksgiving meals.
Volunteers were given a certain number of meals to deliver to residents around Snohomish County along with directions and a map that highlighted each drop-off location. They hit the streets and within a few hours all 300-plus of our clients were greeted with warm meals, smiling faces and friendly conversation. They also enjoyed dessert and leftovers for the next day.
Many community members volunteer for this event year after year, turning it into a family tradition that truly makes a difference for so many Snohomish County residents.
We have already heard back from one meal recipient who is more than appreciative: “I enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinner provided for me. Thank you to all the hardworking people who made it possible.”
Visit our Facebook page to see more videos and pictures from the event. If you are interested in being on the list for volunteering next year, please email volunteer@homage.org or call 425-355-1112.
If you would like to make a difference for older adults and people with disabilities this holiday season, please visit our website at www.homage.org.
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our participants and to the greater Snohomish County community for your generosity and support.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
