The Community Congregational Church of Thompson Falls, Sanders County Food Bank and many local volunteers had a busy weekend preparing for Thanksgiving this year. Combined efforts successfully prepared 105 Thanksgiving dinner boxes for almost 500 individuals in need.

This was made possible by the many monetary and food donations gathered from community members and churches in Sanders County. Each box contained vegetables, Jell-O, stuffing, pumpkin pie ingredients, bread, rolls, eggs and other items needed for a plentiful holiday feast. Large and small boxes were packed with goodies depending on family size, and were delivered with a side of a whole turkey.

Vanessa Pallister commented that Ron Reedy has been in charge of the annual event for quite a few years and his experience shows. "It really was quite an amazing and neat thing to experience," Pallister stated. She also commented that it was "quite magnificent to see how organized" Reedy was.

According to Pallister, Reedy handed out pieces of paper assigning individuals an item to place in each box. As each person did what was stated on their paper, the job was complete in about 30 minutes.

Courtesy photo

Sunday afternoon, when each box was ready to go, drivers signed up for a specific number of deliveries. Reedy had already blocked-out neighborhoods, assigning specific homes based on location for delivery, to make delivery time efficient. This took careful planning and much effort on the part of Reedy, and his drivers appreciated it. The average driver was on the road about one hour or less.

With the holiday season upon us, it is comforting to know that Sanders County is blessed with so many people willing to help those in need.