WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Thanksgiving isn’t just about food, it’s also about having gratitude for those in the community. Take the Friends Thanksgiving dinner at the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. 55 years of feeding anyone, and everyone, who wants to join.
Around 200 volunteers cooked, served and provided for the community on turkey day. While this was the first year for some, it was one man’s 13th.
From teenagers looking for community service hours, local families wanting to give back, and the older generations who have been doing this for many years. The volunteers of the Friends Thanksgiving dinner are of all ages and abilities.
“Over 200 altogether start to finish, including the Boy Scouts that come to do potatoes. The Turkey peelers, the drivers, the people who dish up the to-go meals, as well as the families that come to serve our sit-down meal,” said co-coordinator of the Friends Thanksgiving dinner, Korrine Black.
Black has hosted the last nine years of the 55-year-old event.
“It’s amazing to know that this is something that people count on. This is part of their family tradition, not just the volunteers, but the patrons that join us for the sit-down meal. It gives me goosebumps to just be part of something that is so rooted in Wausau’s community,” said Black.
But she’s not the only one who feels like they’re making a difference. So does the “kitchen boss” who’s been here for 13 years.
“It’s just an opportunity to give back, you know, cause it you know, these times aren’t the best for some people and it’s something we can do in our community is — is help everyone out,” said Nick Burger, the kitchen boss.
Over the years, Burger has met many people. From volunteers to people who are attending the event and more. He’s learned that it’s really a small world and your circle continues to grow.
“I like giving back and seeing all the same people and saying hi and you know, talking about your year and you learn you actually know somebody who knows somebody and like, hey, it’s this, it’s this nice big family,” said Burger.
Burger and Black both say anyone who wants to volunteer should reach out early next November through email at friendsdinnerwausau@gmail.com
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