THANKSGIVING
Traditions strengthen communities and the inaugural Gather and Give Thanks Community Dinner proved to do just that. The event was born from an idea sparked by SMCISD School Board Member Miguel Arredondo, who called Hays County Food Bank Executive Director Lisa Young to join forces to host a community dinner open to all. Arredondo is also the CEO & President of the United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties, who co-sponsored the event with the Hays County Food Bank.
Support for the community overflowed as volunteers and citizens packed the Cuauhtemoc Hall to share a Thanksgiving feast purchased from Bill Miller Bar-BQ. Dutch Bros Coffee was on-site warming bellies and hearts with hot cocoa and coffee and a squad of smiling employees ready to serve. Internet company Spectrum showed their sup- port by presenting the food bank with a $1,000 check. Pastor Sheila Sidberry- Thomas and a crew from Wesley Chapel AME Church donated their time setting up the tables with festive place settings as well as handing out iced drinks to pair with the meal.
Elected officials donned colorful bandanas as they helped to serve meals and pack togo meals to distribute after the feast.
“It all just came together beautifully,” Young said. “My staff worked really hard; We have all these people volunteering and that’s the community I want to live in. It’s been hard times in the neighborhood, but moments like this, where we can just be grateful for ourselves as a community, means so much,” Young said.
