This is the time of year when we give thanks for our blessings, such as family, friends, shelter and jobs. We also can be thankful for important community resources that make a difference in the lives of residents.
Several in Columbus do that by providing free Thanksgiving meals.
The America and Roby Anderson Community Center, 421 McClure Road, served as one such meal sites on Saturday.
That was great to see considering that the former Eastside Community Center closed last fall and was unable to maintain its more-than-30-year tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving season meal. The State Street Association spearheaded the return of the annual meal, which is a welcome part of the center’s rebirth.
Today, both First Christian Church and Columbus Baptist Church will again host their annual Thanksgiving dinners for the community. Combined, they typically serve or deliver more than 1,300 free meals.
Organizers have heard from some of the meal recipients that if it wasn’t for the free deliveries that they wouldn’t have seen another person that day. Others who partake in the meals are just down on their luck and need a helping hand.
These programs fill an important need for nutrition and holiday companionship, making sure no one who would enjoy company needs to miss out on such an opportunity.
That is something for which we can all be thankful.
