GREENFIELD — More than 450 Thanksgiving dinners were served at a community dinner held last Saturday at the Greenfield Lions hall.
The Nov. 17 dinner was the result of a partnership between the Greenfield City Partnership Nonprofit Organization, which bought food and cleaned the hall, the Greenfield Lions, which cooked the meals, and high school students, who served food as part of their community service.
“We love this event. It starts the holiday season off with everyone feeling good,” said Greenfield City Partnership Co-Chair Allison Steinmann. “It’s about paying it forward and saying thank you to the community.”
The event attracted the attention of other Lions groups, as Lions District 4-C6 Governor Thelma Batilo showed up along with representatives from Gonzales and King City, who Steinmann said praised the work they observed in Greenfield.
“A lot of praise goes to the Lions Club,” Steinmann said. “They work so hard and they’re always offering to do these cooking events.”
People not only showed up to eat at the event, but also took food to others who could not attend.
“A number of people who come here come from the senior citizens complex and take meals back for the people who can’t get out,” Steinmann said.
In total, there were 30 turkeys barbecued starting at 4:30 a.m. to have ready for the dinner, as well as 200 pounds of sweet potatoes and 200 pounds of white potatoes.
The next event for the Greenfield City Partnership is the Dec. 8 Christmas in the Park, set for 12 to 4 p.m. at the Village Green Park.
Steinmann said there are plans for free hot dogs and hot chocolate, Santa Claus to take photos with children, and toys for young children.
