The Herald gives thanks to volunteerism – a Thanksgiving meal at the Methodist Church

By GEORGE CUSTER/Editor/The Herald  —  I hope you’re not tired of it – my continual applauding of our local citizens who organize and put forth, with such unbounded energy, events that benefit and brighten our community. More importantly, many of them do it year after year.

Take this year’s free Thanksgiving meal at the Oakridge Methodist church. Over two dozen volunteers came together to ensure that everyone who came for a meal was served the very best meal that the volunteers could put together. Work had to start weeks in advance so that everything would come together for the big event. This doesn’t even include all the work and planning that starts immediately after each dinner for the following year.

The kitchen was buzzing for hours before the doors were to open. Over a half-dozen helpers prepped the meals that had mostly been prepared over the previous several days. From the kitchen, more volunteers then delivered the dishes in trays so that another half-dozen volunteers could man the serving line. A staff of young people (also smiling) waited patiently to help where necessary and deliver desserts and help with the cleanup.

Who do we thank for all of this? Cathy Spenser, wife of pastor Ross Spencer, assumed the project about four years ago. “I was a helper for many years” she said. “One year, Judy {Hampton] came to me and said she was pretty tired, so I took over.” Judy had been leading the project for over 30 years. She still shows up and gives it her all, though. Judy said that this year’s volunteer group was the largest that she remembers.

And it was some meal! The buffet-style line, being manned by volunteers, consisted of turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing, cranberries. Sweetvine Bakery and Cafe provided the rolls. All the vegetables for the dinner were donated by the various sellers who have been steady vendors at the Oakridge Sunday Market this year.

People began to pour through the doors at opening time. The

continuous flow of individuals and families were met by a smiling Pastor Spencer, who directed them toward the dining room. At the end of it all, and with no fanfare or applause, the cleanup began. Pots and pans, and dishes had to be washed. Trash brought together and dumped. Leftovers (there wasn’t much) had to be separated and put in containers. Chairs and tables had to be cleaned, folded and put away. All-in-all, about 130 meals were provided. But you know what, those wonderful volunteers, still had smiles of their own knowing that they hopefully had made someone else’s day a little brighter.

There were many more volunteers who helped to make this dinner a success. I’d have to spend many days ferreting out all those who contributed to the success of the event. Thanks to one and all. Volunteers rock!