A Reason to Be Thankful: Open Pantry Community Services Inc. Hosts 27th Annual Holiday Meal
SPRINGFIELD — The Open Pantry Community Services Inc. hosted its 27th annual holiday meal at the High School of Commerce, providing a reason for individuals like George Pavlak to be thankful. Despite being homeless and dealing with the challenges posed by the New England weather, Pavlak left the event feeling happy and grateful. The Thanksgiving meal organized by Open Pantry Community Services Inc. offers individuals a chance to enjoy a humble meal and express their gratitude.
For Springfield resident Kenneth White, who has attended the event in previous years, the free meal and the sense of camaraderie that accompanies it are reasons to be truly grateful. You got to be thankful that somebody thinks about us in this way, White expressed. Another Springfield resident, Lawrence Green, shared his gratitude for the hospitality shown by Open Pantry and its volunteers, especially because he has no family in the city. He referred to the volunteers and attendees as his family and stated, I make friends every time I come here. It’s a nice place to be.
The event successfully served approximately 100 Thanksgiving meals directly, while an additional 490 were delivered, according to Nicole Lussier, the director of Open Pantry. Lussier emphasized that the annual meal aimed to assist individuals who may be living on the streets, in tents, or in shelters. She described the event as a place where people can come, sit down, have a meal served to them, and feel a genuine sense of self-worth.
The menu comprised a plate with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, a roll, and a slice of pumpkin pie, satisfying the Thanksgiving cravings of numerous guests. Attendee Richard Woodson encouraged others to join the event and urged people to reach out to their families and spend quality time with them.
Over 40 dedicated volunteers offered their time and effort in the morning and early afternoon to serve food at Commerce, fully aware of the profound impact a meal can have on someone’s life. Rodney Wilson, who had experienced homelessness for about a year, expressed his desire to inspire others to reflect on their own circumstances, stating, Things can change; you just don’t give up. Stephen Penna, advisory board chair for Open Pantry, acknowledged that the annual meal was made possible by the generosity of the community, as evidenced by the success of two recent fundraisers, the Mayflower Marathon and Stuffing the Pantry. Penna emphasized the joy derived from bringing the community together through such initiatives.
While the mentioned volunteers don’t include those who delivered meals, according to Lussier, the spirit of giving and compassion was apparent throughout the event. The Open Pantry Community Services Inc. succeeded in providing a warm and memorable experience for individuals in need, fostering a sense of belonging and hope.
In conclusion, the Open Pantry Community Services Inc.’s 27th annual holiday meal served as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and community support. With the assistance of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of the community, Open Pantry provided a joyous occasion for those who may often feel overlooked. The event not only offered a delicious Thanksgiving meal but also extended a hand of compassion and reminded attendees that there is hope for positive change in their lives.
