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SALT LAKE CITY – Hundreds of volunteers dedicated their Thanksgiving holiday to the community by delivering meals across the Salt Lake Valley to the Salvation Army.
Some families said volunteering in this way had become a Thanksgiving tradition.
"It would not be thanksgiving without a community getting in touch," said Troy Trimmer, coordinator of the Salt Lake Basin for the Salvation Army.
He said that the day most people attend a big family reunion, there are people who do not live this experience. Not only do they not receive turkey day meals, but Trimmer says that these people have fewer opportunities to connect with others. He said that many of these people are seniors.
"It's a more important need than food. Thanksgiving is really a connection issue, "said Trimmer. "It's about connecting with people and people."
With this goal in mind, 200 to 300 volunteers came to the Salvation Army and prepared individual dinners to offer to seniors and disadvantaged families.
The line ran through the gym, with each volunteer collecting Thanksgiving essentials such as turkey, gravies, jokes, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Beth Parker stood behind the rolls section with her 4-year-old binoculars, distributing packages of butter for the rolls. She said her family volunteered to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving for 22 years. She said that her mother and aunt started the family tradition when Parker was a teenager.
Now, the three generations are eager to come every year.
"My kids do not even really care about the Thanksgiving meal," Parker said. "They just say," Are we going to the Salvation Army? "So, it's really fun."
Once the volunteers picked up a container filled with food, they packed a bag with a pie and a laminated doily and set out for delivery.
Chad and Amanda Cox traveled West Valley with their children to deliver to seniors. The family of seven said it was his eighth year of participation.
"Most of them are grateful to have as many visitors as the meal, I think that's what we've known over the years," said Chad Cox. "Just someone to come see them, because often they do not have a family."
At the time of the meal, the recipients expressed their gratitude and gratitude, exchanging a quick "Happy Thanksgiving" with a smile.
Families who take the time to help may not be at their table on Turkey's day, but said that doing this – giving back to the community and serving it – was even more satisfying.
"I think we are so busy in our daily lives and we do not understand that everyone does not have this opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with his extended family," said Chad Cox. a little bit of that. "
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