November 26, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Hundreds were fed on Thanksgiving thanks to the generosity of the community and especially local emergency service providers.
The 4th annual effort by the DeKalb Emergency Services Association in partnership with local businesses and volunteers was held to make sure the most needy and underserved among us had a hot delicious meal for Thanksgiving.
Around 570 food trays were prepared and delivered to 190 stops along the route by volunteers. Recipients received a meal of baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll along with a homemade dessert.
Cooking and food preparation started early Thursday morning at the county complex kitchen. Volunteers then loaded their personal vehicles with food trays and set out to deliver them in time for the recipients’ noon time meal.
Due to COVID-19, the number of people involved in cooking and preparing the food trays was limited and the volunteers wore gloves, masks, and tried to keep separated while working to protect themselves and those being served. The DESA did not accept donations of food this year because of the pandemic. All the food was purchased and prepared at the county complex and totally funded by community cash donations.
A similar meal delivery is planned for Christmas Eve and all families who received a meal Thursday will be on the list to get one on December 24. To get your name on the list, call 615-516-6662 or 615-712-4286.
The DESA would like to thank the community for its support of this effort.