Give thanks by giving back Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 05:10 AM By Hailey Persinger
Killeen Daily Herald

Families across the nation will gather around their dining room tables Thursday to begin the holiday season with their loved ones; but for some, that tradition will not become reality.

Several Central Texas shelters and food banks have made it their responsibility to cater to the less fortunate who may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal for their families.

Some programs have already experienced an outpouring of support from area families and businesses that have donated food, space and time. Others still welcome assistance from those who want to make a difference in the lives of others during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army of Killeen works with the city of Killeen volunteer services department and several area churches to host a Thanksgiving Day feast. This year's event will take place at the First United Methodist Church at 508 N. Gray St. Jason Moore of the Salvation Army said volunteers typically arrive around 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.

"They're helping with unpacking the Thanksgiving meals and … they help serve," he said.

But there is more to the event than simply serving a meal or preparing a plate. Moore said sometimes people come to the event with a need for someone to talk to or pray with and that volunteers are there to cater to those needs as well.

"There are people that are there for it not just for the physical but also for the emotional need," he said.

Moore said he expects about 400 to turn out on Thanksgiving Day. Those wishing to get involved can contact Moore at (254) 634-7172.

The Mission Soup Kitchen, at 205 W. Avenue C in Killeen, doesn't have anything specifically planned for the holiday itself since it partners with Central Christian Church to prepare Thanksgiving meals. Volunteers are no longer needed for serving on Thanksgiving Day, but the kitchen will be open today beginning at about 10:30 a.m. for those wishing to donate monetarily to the organization or to help pack up food for the event.

The Families in Crisis Shelter at 202 Bronc Drive in Copperas Cove typically works with families who have experienced abuse or a volatile life at home.

Though the shelter requires volunteers to be approved in advance, Suzanne Armour, a representative of the shelter, said people can still get involved.

"People in the community have gotten together and donated Thanksgiving boxes," she said. The boxes include turkeys and other Thanksgiving foods for families who live at the shelter. "We've had a real nice outpouring of support from the community."

Armour said that with Christmas around the corner, the same type of effort will get under way and that the shelter invites anyone interested to start getting involved with the Christmas box project as soon as they can.

The effort to get involved, said Moore, is the first step in giving the less fortunate a holiday most people take for granted.

"It's because something about community coming together especially during this time of year," he said. "People seem more secure when they come together with their family and that's what we are here. A family."

Contact Hailey Persinger at haileyp@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7568.