Brandon Twp. – For the past 20 years, thanks to the Brandon School District, the township, and community donations, a free Thanksgiving dinner has been served to area senior citizens.
This year’s dinner was no exception, and turkey dinner was served to a full house. Don Patrick, principal of Brandon Fletcher Intermediate said he starts preparations for the feast in early September, but hits full swing with a key 10-person volunteer group for the past week.
“This community is wonderful,” said Patrick as he looked across the cafeteria filled with more than 260 seniors and volunteers. “The seniors love coming to this dinner, they are so happy.”
“This is one of the most exciting community projects I work on,” he said.
Quick to share credit for the spread, Patrick said without volunteers Charlene Carlson, June Wuopio, Sharon Gwin, and Becky Gilpin, the weeks’ preparations wouldn’t have come together.
Among the distinguished guest presentations, the Ortonville VFW Color Guards presented the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance—led by World War II veteran and former township supervisor Bill Wright.
20 students from the Sherman Center cheerfully served the dinner.
When asked why they would volunteer their time to serve tables at a banquet, 18-year-old Nick Buchanan said he volunteered to help because he likes seeing the seniors of the community smile.
“And I help because when I worked with the seniors at the senior center I found I just like helping them out,” said 17-year-old Christin Dangel.
The seniors’ dinner was highlighted by the upbeat sounds of the Brandon High School Jazz band, directed by Russell McMartin.
Door prizes for the guests were donated by more than 45 businesses.
The dinner, said Patrick, was another success credited to the community.