Celebrating community at the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet

The holiday season brings people from all walks of life together, and on Thanksgiving Day volunteers of all ages hosted a free Thanksgiving Day meal down at the DECC.

“This is our 35th year of having this event. It originally started where there was 25 meals served at the library over in the state, over in superior. So, it’s grown,” said event organizer Monica Hendrickson.

Monica Hendrickson has volunteered at the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet for the past ten years – returning each year in hopes of helping those in need.

“I’m really passionate about this event. I think every person deserves a hot meal, especially on a holiday. And so many of our shelters are closed down on the holidays. The staff can enjoy time with their family. So, this is a way for us to kind of help continue to feed those in need,” said Hendrickson.

In its 35 years, the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet has become significantly larger – also growing a lasting impact on all who attend.

“We’re expecting, we have enough food to serve 7,000 meals and we expect to do quite a few of those are going to go out,” said Hendrickson. “Really the great thing about this event is the fact that it’s all about community. And community meeting, come and see people, interact with people, get to know the people that are your neighbors. We have a lot of folks here today that live alone. And so, it’s their time to kind of get out and get to know people and have meaningful conversations. So, it’s special to us in that way. We’re all about community and we’re really glad that we could be here.”

And volunteers, like friends Mary Hershey and Vicki Hansen, share the joy in helping others.

“Just glad that this many people come and enjoy the meal and the friendship with other people. It’s very nice. It’s well run,” said Hershey.

“I just feel that we all need to give back to our community and help out whenever we can. And this is an event that I can help with,” said Hansen.

Click here to donate to help keep the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet going for years to come.