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Holiday spirit vibrant on Thanksgiving Day

Previous years at the annual Thanksgiving dinner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church have brought out hundreds of volunteers and members of the community to dine with friends for the special occasion.Reminder Publications submitted photo
By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD The holidays are those hectic times of year when many would rather be relaxing on a sandy beach or curled up in front of a cozy fireplace rather than slaving over a hot stove for 40 people at Thanksgiving.

But for others the thought of an empty house at Thanksgiving without the sounds of the football game, the grandchildren leaf jumping in the yard or the meal being cooked frantically in the kitchen is too silent to bear.

Twenty-six years ago Barbara Amsden, a 70-year-old resident of West Springfield, realized a need for family, friends and communal unity on Thanksgiving while delivering meals of this time honored feast to those in need.

However, Amsden said she came to the conclusion that she could do more for her community; so what began as a meal for 100 people 26 years ago at a cost of $200 has turned into a $3,200 operation with over 250 volunteers preparing and serving a complete turkey dinner for over 1,300 people on Thanksgiving Day.

"I never thought it would get to be this size, never in my wildest dreams," Amsden said. "But as long as there is a need we're all going to keep doing this."

She said the menu includes turkey, ham and all of the fixings including stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed onions, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce butternut squash and a variety of desserts. She added that last year over 40 turkeys were cooked in addition to six 14 pound hams.

Amsden said all of the food prepared for the feast is acquired through donations, especially the desserts, which cover three eight-foot long tables.

She was quick to note that many hours of preparation go into creating not only the food but also the atmosphere for this holiday at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield. The day before, Amsden said, 40 adults volunteer to prepare the food for cooking the following day and 150 students from St. Thomas School help decorate the hall.

She added that last year the students prepared 475 fruit baskets for those attending the meal to take home with them; they are also given plates of leftovers, desserts and an African violet.

"It's wonderful for the community and for the children to help the day before because they are giving back to the community, which is really important," Rose Desrosiers, a longtime volunteer said.

Desrosiers said she and her husband are in charge of coordinating deliveries for those who are unable to attend the dinner or provide rides for those who wish to join the event.

She said that she encourages the volunteers dropping off meals to talk to those they meet because unfortunately the deliver person might be the only person they see all weekend.

Amsden said in order to get the word out prior to Thanksgiving Day they spend their wedding anniversary, Nov. 17, going to each of the motels in the area and posting flyers about the event. She added that she even has drivers who will stop and pick up the homeless or needy.

"We have drivers who will drive to the ends of the earth to pick up people for the dinner," she said.

Amsden stressed the importance of togetherness and loneliness during the holidays. She said that those who are homeless, needy, or alone will be "sitting next to someone with a $300,000 house," will be dining together because they wish to be a part of a community for the holidays.

Amsden added that many of the volunteers are also alone on Thanksgiving, which is why they dedicate their day. However, she added that many of them "thank" her for the opportunity to help. She said the volunteers often gain more from the day's experiences than those who attend the meal.

Betty Nowlan, an 84-year old who has been working with Amsden since the beginning of this event said that she chooses to spend her Thanksgiving away from her family because she enjoys and company and camaraderie of the other volunteers.

"The volunteers are fantastic," Amsden said. "You'll never have a better bunch of volunteers than here. They know there's a need so some of them give the whole day. They are so proud of what they do."

To make a monetary donation for the Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22 from noon until 2 p.m. mail them to Jay Morris at 48 Kelly Dr., West Springfield, MA, 01089.

For dinner deliveries to your home in West Springfield call Diane at 739-0247 or to volunteer to make deliveries call Rose Desrosiers at 734-9853.

Deliveries can also be made to Agawam by calling Donna at 821-0604 or to volunteer to make deliveries in Agawam call Mike and Debbie at 569-1263.