PROJECT THANKSGIVING

Volunteers feed 550

W. Terry Smith

When it was all over, Brenda Canady and Verdell Robinson figured they had fed 550 people Thursday during the first Project Thanksgiving at Tarboro High School.

The meal was open to anyone and everyone. It took the place of the daily lunch at Tarboro Community Outreach, a shelter for the needy and homeless. Last Thanksgiving, TCO fed 282 people.

“It was phenomenal,” said Sister Mary Ann Czaja, executive director of the shelter.

Czaja spent most of her day greeting people at the front door.

When folks arrived, they were treated to a hot meal of turkey and ham, dressing, sweet potatoes casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce and a roll. They had their choice of drinks, including apple juice for the youngsters. Sara Lee Bakery donated the desserts: pies, cakes and brownies.

The food was paid for with donations solicited from the community in one letter. Leftover food and money was given to TCO.

Carol Allen White, the county Clerk of Superior Court, coordinated the volunteer effort. They assembled in the cafeteria annex at 10 a.m. for assignments. The Rev. Kenneth Parker said a prayer and the Rev. Jim Wilson led a song.

White was expecting about 32 high school students and maybe 30 adults. More than 100 showed up.

“It’s so wonderful to see that kind of spirit,” she said. “So many want to give back.”

“Not bad for the first time,” said Canady, child nutrition specialist for Edgecombe County Public Schools. “I’m pleased, but I wish we could have fed more.

“It couldn’t have gone any smoother.”

Canady, Robinson, Jean Belcher, Louise Clark, Gladys Dunn, Jean Harrell, Lillie Mae Higgs, Carol Quigless and Canady’s daughter Christy Canady reported to the school by 7:10 a.m. Thursday to begin cooking. Canady had ordered enough food to feed 1,000 and there was much to do. The dressing had to be made from scratch.

“We had it organized,” said Robinson, who came out of retirement to volunteer. “I feel good about it. It went very well. This was a pleasure.”

Tarboro Mayor Donald Morris coordinated the entertainment. He and Davis set up the sound system on loan from First Baptist Church in the hallway outside the cafeteria.

The Tarboro High Gospel Choir, Adrian Parkinson, Jasmine Alvarez, Lester Anderson and Quinteto de amor were popular. Each drew a crowd in the hallway.

Jasmine, the 9-year-old daughter of Jose and Elizabeth Alvarez drew complements on her Mexican costume.

People requesting transportation were given rides to and from the school.

Tarboro Police Officer Jim Bennett was on the security detail but there were no problems.

“My wife Paulette called and told me not to eat too much,” Bennett said.

Princeville Mayor Delia Perkins was on hand.

“This was great for the community,” she said. “The old people didn’t have to be alone today. They had fellowship.

“It pulled a cross section of the community together. That’s important.”

The Rev. Wilson said, “It was amazing how smooth everything went. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."

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