St. Charles Community Health Center, United Way of St Charles, Blessed to be a Blessing and St Anthony’s Outreach partnered on Thanksgiving Day to meet the needs of the community with their First Annual Giving Back to the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon. A traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey and all the trimmings was served to about 130 people by 59 volunteers.

Of the 130 individuals that were served, 50 of them had the opportunity to sit down and fellowship with others while the volunteers catered to their every need, 80 meals were delivered to homebound families in the community, and a gift bag as well as a Wal-Mart gift card was presented to each person that attended the event or had home delivery. In addition to the meal and gift bag, the Moreau family was presented with a gift basket compliments of Fresh Faith Worship Center pastor by Bishop Otis Kenner of New Sarpy. According to organizer Julia Bodden, this was truly an amazing event.

“I was amazed by the number of volunteers that came out on Thanksgiving Day to help in this communit,” she said

This sentiment was echoed by many of the attendees, who said they couldn’t believe that people care so much to make this day so special from the decorated hall to the meal. Many of the volunteers said that they would provide transportation next year for individuals who couldn’t get to the site because of lack of transportation. Also they will provide deliver for homebound individuals.

“This event was truly a community event” said Ann Harris, CEO of St Anthony Outreach. Eliza Eugene, CEO of Blessed to be a Blessing, said “All volunteers, organizations, individuals and community leaders are to be commended for all their generosity and kindness for this event,” and Venessa Simmons said, “We hope to duplicate this event next year.”

If interested in volunteering time or services to any of the sponsoring organization contact the United Way at 985-331-9063.