Woman encourages locals to celebrate Thanksgiving holiday as a community

To the editor:

When I moved to Wayland three years ago, one of the first holidays in my new home was Thanksgiving.

Living 12 hours from my family meant that I was going to spend this important day for food and fellowship eating a frozen meal alone in my recliner. Thankfully, that was not how I spent that first Thanksgiving separated from my family. Instead, I went to WACO High School and joined a hundred other people from my community for a feast beyond my greatest imagination.

Homemade turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole, stuffing, salads, desserts and drinks awaited me in a beautifully decorated cafeteria. What could have been a very lonely day became a very lovely day filled with new friends! Adults carried on conversations filled with laughter and children played around the tables - the young and old came together for this special day.

With my stomach and heart filled to the brim, I left the school overjoyed to belong to such a giving community and grateful for the blessings of a real Thanksgiving feast. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner became a must-attend tradition for me.

I hope that every person who wants to eat a delicious meal or desires gathering with new friends on Thanksgiving will come to WACO High School on Nov. 26. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the WACO Community Churches will once again serve a feast to feed hundreds. This meal is free and open to all people from any of the surrounding communities. We will even deliver your meal if needed. Just call 319-217-2456.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Tamara Gill

Wayland