Annual turkey dinner served at Karns City
KARNS CITY — Karns City Communities That Care held its seventh annual Thanksgiving dinner at Karns City Area High School on Wednesday.
Over the course of two hours, the cafeteria at the high school quickly filled up with community members of all ages who came to enjoy the meal. By the night's end, more than 500 meals were prepared and served.
Kayla Smith, executive director of the nonprofit organization, said this year the group provided dine-in and takeout options for attendees. Last year, dinners were limited to takeout due to COVID-19.
“We're looking forward to another great year,” Smith said. “We're looking forward to a fun night and celebrating the holiday.”
Communities That Care has been around since 2016, according to Smith. Its goal is to reduce substance abuse and bullying and to make Karns City a better place through community service.In addition to the dinner portion of the event, the Inspiring Gremlins, students of the Communities That Care youth program, put together an activity table for children in attendance. Their mission is to spread kindness and positivity to the school.
Brooke Manuel, president of the Inspiring Gremlins, said group members helped organize coloring sheets and a tree where children could write what they were thankful for on a leaf and hang it up. She and Ciara Leasure, another Inspiring Gremlin, were excited to see the community come together for the event.“Seeing all the people is the best part,” Ciara said. “You don't see people together, especially since COVID.”Smith said the 20 Communities That Care volunteers began preparing for the dinner three months ago.“A lot of people stepped up this year to volunteer,” Smith said. “We have cafeteria volunteers as well as school administrators and teachers helping serve and prepare.”
Superintendent Dr. Eric Ritzert thought the event ran smoothly.“It went well,” Ritzert said. “They did a great job.”Toward the event's end, Smith shared the other initiatives offered by Communities That Care, such as the weekend backpack meal program and the Strengthening Families Program, which helps increase bonding and problem solving in families with children ages 10 to 14.Smith thanked the community for attending and said she was pleased to have another successful Thanksgiving event.“We're glad to support the community in this way,” Smith said.
