Summerville, South Carolina — A long-standing Thanksgiving tradition continued in Summerville on Thursday, with Knightsville Methodist Church preparing and delivering thousands of free holiday dinners to anybody in need.
Church authorities stated that the project began 13 years ago, with little over 200 meals provided within the church. Since then, the event has evolved to become one of the largest community Thanksgiving operations in the area, with hundreds of volunteers and donations from local businesses.
Joey Mooney, one of the organizers, stated that the mission has always been straightforward.
“Giving back is what this day is about,” he claimed. “We want everyone to feel like they can celebrate Thanksgiving without worrying about where their food is coming from.”
Volunteers spent the week cooking, carving more than 200 turkeys, preparing sides and desserts, and planning delivery routes for shut-ins, homeless families, and emergency workers who were working during the holiday. Others prepared takeout dinners for people who stopped by the church parking lot throughout the day.
Many volunteers stated that the event is just as meaningful to them as it is to the families that get meals.
Brian Payne, who relocated to Summerville after volunteering at the event for the first time last year, said the work represents the generosity he observed in the church when he first walked in.
“It is touching and lovely,” he added. “It is a fantastic service to the community, and we can always celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow. We wish to help people in most need.
For long-time organizers, the day is about using what you have to benefit others.
Jill Henry, who has helped organize the event for years, explained that the custom is about using your resources to serve others.
“It is being thankful that you have something you can share with people who do not have it,” she told me. “We want to teach our children how to help others and give back.”
The church reported serving almost 3,300 dinners last year. Early checks Thursday indicated that they were on track to prepare at least 3,000 this year.
Some of the younger volunteers stated that the experience taught them how many people in their neighborhood rely on help around the holidays.
“You see people every day, but you don’t know their story,” said 10-year-old volunteer Breah Chiccia. “It’s amazing that we can help them with their story.”
Church leaders stated that the event would not be feasible without the assistance of local grocery stores, community groups, and hundreds of volunteers who spent their holiday preparing meals. They stated that their goal is to increase the endeavor each year to fulfill the community’s requirements.
