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The program organized by the King George social services department provides a turkey and fixings to families who can't afford a holiday feast.
King George County staffers and volunteers haul Thanksgiving food at the King George Masonic Lodge. Volunteer Richard Amick (left) and King George County social worker Rhonda Wolfe bag turkeys for the Thanksgiving food giveaway. The director of the program says she was overwhelmed by the community's response. |
By CATHY DYSON
In a year when many people are tightening their belts because of the economy, King George County residents are reaching out to help more of their neighbors.
Yesterday marked the county's annual giveaway of Thanksgiving food baskets--and the largest distribution in the program's 20-year history. Organized by the King George Department of Social Services, volunteers handed out boxes and laundry baskets filled with turkeys and trimmings to 371 families.
"It's been overwhelming," said Tracy Curtis, a social worker aide who directs the program. "Even people who said, 'I can't do a basket this year' asked, 'Can I donate money?'"
Before her department had mailed letters in September, asking businesses and government contractors, citizens and church members to sponsor families, people were calling to offer help.
To each donor, she assigned a certain number of families, whose sizes ranged from one person to 14.
Some Dahlgren contractors adopted as many as 30 families, and churches throughout the rural county did the same.
"It's harder to be blind to the need when you're in a smaller community," said Dave Bentz of Grace Presbyterian Church. "You tend to know the people and the situation."
Starting at 7:30 yesterday morning, cars pulled up to the back door of the King George Masonic Lodge on U.S. 301. Volunteer sponsors from businesses and churches unloaded their boxes, which were marked by case numbers ranging from one to 371. The baskets then were arranged in numerical rows.
Most of those doing the sorting were social services workers and their spouses, friends and children. But others helped out as well.
Clarence "Bunny" Jackson, a member of the lodge, opened the doors and stayed around to direct traffic. At 83, he figured he was the oldest one there.
Nick Pappas, the social services department's attorney, wore a suit and tie as he wheeled around boxes of food. He was volunteering, not charging by the hour.
Beside them was 9-year-old Alex Poley, an energetic youngster who liked helping out--and getting an early start to his Thanksgiving break.
While others shivered in the damp November air, Alex was like his mother, Karla, an eligibility worker. Both walked around the unheated cinder-block building in short-sleeve shirts.
Before 11 a.m., recipients started lining up outside the lodge to pick up the baskets, even though the doors didn't open until 12. People had been assigned case numbers and were assured of getting food, but the line wrapped around the parking lot nonetheless.
For many of those waiting, the donated food was the only holiday dinner they could afford.
"We're all out of work right now, and I wasn't really gonna have a Thanksgiving," said Kellie Sargeant. "It helps us tremendously."
Sandi Walker, who lives in an apartment, is on a fixed income. Some years, she's been able to get by without the Thanksgiving basket, but this wasn't one of them.
"I'm very grateful for it," she said.
Many of those receiving food were social services clients, said Karla Poley, but some qualified for holiday baskets only. The department also does a similar program, with gifts, for Christmas.
All recipients have to meet income requirements and live in King George.
As he directed those who came in for food, Dave Coman, social services director, greeted many by first name. He was proud of how the community rallied to help, especially in tough financial times.
"If there's any kind of emergency situation when people are in need," he said, "this county will band together faster than you can shake a stick."
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
