After two years of only delivering Thanksgiving meals, and having them available for pick-up, the Effingham County FISH Organization on Thursday once again invited community members to share tables. This year the gathering was held at Cornerstone Christian Church in Effingham.
Coordinator Susan Elke said 685 meals were delivered or picked up this year, while 21 area residents traveled to the church to celebrate a community Thanksgiving meal together.
Elke said that after a couple years without the community gathering because of COVID-19 restrictions, people may not have realized the communal meal was back this year. She hopes for an even better turnout for the Christmas meal on Dec. 25 at the Event Center in Effingham.
Paul Foster, 63, of Effingham, was one resident who enjoyed his Thanksgiving meal of turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie.
“It was good,” he said. “I love the potatoes and gravy. The pumpkin pie was great. I’m a happy person.”
Companionship is the essential ingredient, he said.
“It’s real important for me,” Foster said. “It’s nice to get out an meet somebody. I don’t often get out.”
Joining Foster was Amy Schumacher of Effingham, who has volunteered at the gathering for years. Her mother, Mary Ellen Rauch, co-founded FISH in 1970.
Schumacher sat down to eat with Foster after delivering meals to people who could not attend.
“We brought children with us,” she said. “We chatted and offered prayers. It might be their only bright spot in the day. It’s a way to just bring a little bit of cheer to those who might not have the opportunity to come out.
“There are some that you see don’t get out of their apartment much,” she added. “They just light up when they see the little kids – and the meals. It gives you a good feeling, because you know you brought a little sunshine to their day.”
Janice Garry was also among the volunteers on Thursday. It was the first time she volunteered for the event.
“All of my family was doing something else,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to do it. I would definitely do it again.”
Garry, who has lived in rural Effingham since 2014, said she admires the community spirit events like the community meal demonstrate.
“I am glad to see all the people helping,” she as she sat down to her own dinner. “Even little kids are helping. That’s good parenting – teaching them to do that.”