Waitsburg Meets Holiday Needs

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg community members are determined to make sure that no one goes without, or is left alone, this Thanksgiving holiday.

In addition to the Thanksgiving baskets provided to needy families by parents and children who participate in the successful Kid's Big Give program, Gleason's Galley will open its doors to serve a hot Thanksgiving meal to anyone who doesn't want to be alone for the holiday.

Jamie Gleason has coordinated the Kids' Big Give for the last several years, as a way to involve children in serving others. Last year, dozens of parents and children worked together to fill Thanksgiving dinner boxes for 28 families, and served a total of 120 people.

The program is just getting underway this year. To donate food items, suggest a family in need, or to volunteer to help prepare boxes, visit The Kid's Big Give on Facebook.

This year, there will be a second option for not just the needy but also for those who might not have a place to go on Thanksgiving.

"I know a lot of people that don't necessarily want a basket – just a nice, hot plate of food," said Jamie Gleason. "Karen Gleason at Gleason's Galley is going to make that happen!"

Karen will open her Main Street restaurant on Thanksgiving afternoon and hopes the community will pitch in and help her provide a hot meal and place to go for anyone that needs it. She'd even like to take it one step farther and deliver meals to those who are housebound.

"I'm hoping I can find high school kids who will help deliver meals to those who just aren't up to getting out, but would still like a hot meal," she said.

Karen plans to have the Macy's Parade and football games on the television and will have cards out for people who want to play, and a tree to decorate.

"I'd love to see this turn into a Waitsburg tradition, but that will depend on how many people are willing to help out and become a part of making it happen," she said.

Karen will serve a traditional menu and said Ethan Carpenter has already offered to provide the potatoes and onions for the meal. Karen will accept food and monetary donations, as well as help prepping in the days before Thanksgiving, and help cooking, serving and delivering on Thanksgiving Day.

Karen welcomes donations of: turkeys, cranberry sauce, marshmallows, brown sugar, green beans, French fried onions, canned pumpkin, pecans, butter, whipped cream, bread crumbs, paper plates, and cups.

"Naturally, we'll cover whatever doesn't get donated, but everything helps. A lot of people don't want a whole basket – they just need a place to go. I want to help provide that," she said.

To learn how you can help, stop in at Gleason's Galley on Main Street or give Karen a call at (509) 629-3111.