COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thanksgiving is the holiday where many people gather around the table and eat great food. At times, it may be a lot more than what people can handle.
While Thanksgiving dinner is a mainstay for many families, it can a luxury for some Ohioans. That's why one group has stepped up to the plate for the past 50 years.
What You Need To Know
- The St. Aloysius Community Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner has been feeding people in need for 50 years
- Volunteers prepped and cooked 800 to 1,000 Thanksgiving meals
- Aside from the dinner, the volunteers pre-packaged meals to give away to the homeless on the streets
- They also handed out coats and groceries during the event
Thursday was the St. Aloysius community annual Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Sandy Bonneville, director of the St. Aloysius community annual Thanksgiving Day dinner, said the meal is a bridge between the "haves" and the "have nots."
Bonneville began as a volunteer, but a few years back, the founder of the event passed away on Thanksgiving and Bonneville took over.
“There are times when I’m like, ‘this is so much’," said Bonneville.
Yet, somehow, Bonneville and these volunteers pull off 800 to 1,000 meals from scratch each year.
Aside from the meals they serve at the dinner, they also have pre-packed meals to give out to the homeless on the streets.
Once it's all said and done, Bonneville just hopes it lifs their spirits one meal at a time.
"Not to lose hope," said Bonneville. "There are people that really care for you, that aren't judging you, that pray for you, just hold on. Things will be better."