Thanksgiving is a time to be together with family, and sometimes this is represented by the family of God coming together to help the community. This is the spirit of Kirkland Church’s fifth annual Together for Thanksgiving community event.
Each year guests from the greater eastside community join the Kirkland Church for appetizers, games, children’s activities and a delicious homemade Thanksgiving meal.
One team of volunteers bustles around the kitchen preparing appetizers and fixing food for about 200 guests. Another team of youth and adult volunteers decorates the church foyer like a fall festival, with stations for crafts, cookie decoration, face painting and table games.
A photo booth is available so each guest can take home a photo memory from this event. Sarah and Crissy are mothers with many foster children. For the last three years, both of these families have come dressed up in matching outfits to take advantage of this free photo opportunity.
To pull off this event, 30 church families donated food for the meal in addition to 50 people who volunteered and participated in the event. Adventist families also donated clothing, blankets, toys and gift cards to this cause. At the end of the evening, guests received one of 50 food bags.
"This is such a blessing to me," says Tracy, a young lady who has found herself homeless at this time of year. "I am used to being someone who gives and donates, but now I can't and I am so truly thankful to be here!"
Kirkland Church opens its doors to the community for a special Thanksgiving dinner party.
The Thanksgiving celebration in Kirkland includes special treats and activities for children such as face painting, games and crafts.
