As lines were about to form, volunteers from all walks of life — even if they couldn't walk — were busy at work loading bags and boxes with the makings for Thanksgiving dinners, free for …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
The Powell Tribune has expanded its online content. To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free web account by clicking here.
If you already have a web account, but need to reset it, you can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to purchase a subscription click here.
Please log in to continue |
|
As lines were about to form, volunteers from all walks of life — even if they couldn't walk — were busy at work loading bags and boxes with the makings for Thanksgiving dinners, free for whoever needed a hand up at the dawn of the winter holiday season.
Teens from the high school worked at a feverish rate for hours next to area volunteers, including three from Big Horn Enterprises, in the community room at the Hughes-Pittinger American Legion Post 26 in Powell. Surrounded by boxes stacked high with fresh vegetables, fruits, nonperishables and plump turkeys, there was time for smiles as the spirit of giving filled the air despite the pace.
Rease Braughton, Morgan Preunter and Anne Hagstrom from Big Horn Enterprises donated their time Saturday morning to work the fresh produce line with students Kailyn Jones and Zoey Cross.
"They worked for three solid hours of just bag and produce," said Post 26 Auxiliary President Patty Paulson. "I think it's commendable that they're taking up time out of their day, away from their friends, to come and do something for the community," Paulson said, while working to organize the more than 40 volunteers, including several from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who answered the call for help.
To keep the lifting to a minimum, those receiving meals formed lines in their vehicles as Post 26 Boy Scouts and adult volunteers loaded their trunks. Nearly 180 families filed through efficiently. The post, which is the only distribution place for free monthly commodities, has the process down to a science.
The packages included fresh squash, fruit, potatoes and a turkey along with nonperishables like stuffing mix and canned goods. Albertsons was the main donation sponsor, along with American Legion Family and the Wyoming Food Bank in Casper, which handles federal subsidies.
"It's not everything, but it'll be a good start for a holiday dinner for people, especially if they don't have the means for a special dinner," Paulson said.
The post has been delivering monthly help to families in need for 12 years, Paulson said. If you get peckish before the big holidays event, American Legion Family sponsors free Taco Tuesdays at the post, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to join in the fun and the holiday season won't change the schedule.
This coming Thanksgiving, the Powell Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 11 a..m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the Heart Mountain Building at the Park County Fairgrounds. Everything for the dinner is supplied for the meal, so all you need to bring is an appetite. More than 600 people were served last year, including about 80 volunteers who give up a relaxing day at home to share love and camaraderie in the community.
For more information about the community dinner: 307-254-2576.