By Matt McDonald
CNA Newsroom, Nov 29, 2024 / 12:50 pm
As millions of Americans were busy with Thanksgiving festivities, thousands of volunteers from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were out serving meals to those in need.
“Many communities have a significant level of poverty, where people just need that helping hand up,” said Michael Acaldo, CEO of the national council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over 300 volunteers were set to serve more than 3,000 people at four different sites.
The day began at Baton Rouge River Center, offering sit-down meals and a drive-through option. St. Gerard Catholic Church and other locations also provided meals throughout the day.
The Baton Rouge society has been serving Thanksgiving meals since around 1982.
In Phoenix, more than 500 volunteers were preparing to serve about 7,000 meals at seven locations. Executive chef Chris Hoffman, known for his work at prestigious resorts, led the effort in Phoenix.
“His style aims to put dignity and humanity on a plate every single day,” said Ryan Corry, chief philanthropy officer of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix.
The day started with breakfast at the Phoenix dining room at 7 a.m. and ended with the last meal around 6:15 p.m.
When it comes to Thanksgiving in Phoenix, there is no shortage of delicious meals to enjoy. From brunches to lunches to dinners, the options are endless. The highlight of the day is the major Thanksgiving meal, which typically includes a feast of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans. And let’s not forget about the abundance of pumpkin pies that are a must-have on this special day.
‘The center of their day’
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a rich history dating back to 1833 in France. Founded by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and Emmanuel Bailly, the organization’s mission is to help the poor and those in need. In the United States, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves over 5 million people annually through its local conferences, known as Vincentians.
On Thanksgiving, volunteers gather to prepare and serve meals to those in need, recognizing the importance of giving back on a day that is synonymous with family gatherings. The selfless dedication of volunteers who sacrifice time with their own families to help others is truly admirable.
Many volunteers have made serving on Thanksgiving a tradition, planning their day around giving back to the community. Their continued commitment and generosity are a testament to the spirit of Thanksgiving and the impact of serving others.
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For these volunteers, Thanksgiving is not just a day to indulge in delicious food, but also a day to make a difference in the lives of others. Their unwavering dedication and compassion embody the true spirit of the holiday season.
