Living in the OC: Giving thanks.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner co-chairs Janet Schultz, left, and MaryAnn Carey.

Living in the OC: Giving thanks.

#OceanaCountyNews #Shelby

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

Living in the OC’ is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart), www.springsteadlaw.com.

SHELBY — For 17 years, the local community has worked together to provide a delicious Thanksgiving feast for those in need and others who may not have a family dinner to attend.

The public is invited to the feast on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Shelby Optimist Club building on Industrial Drive.

An army of volunteers from local churches and the community prepare a traditional meal with all the trimmings. All are welcome to attend. There is no cost, but donations are accepted.

Turkeys are in the refridgerator, ready to go, for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Shelby Optimist Club building.

Each year, 150-200 people enjoy the feast and camaraderie provided by the tireless volunteer efforts of the approximately 40 people involved, said co-chair MaryAnn Carey. Carey, and co-chair Janet Schultz, have been in charge of the event since Pastor Rob Henderson of the Shelby Wesleyan Church retired four years ago. Henderson founded the event, they said, and seven or eight local churches are involved.

“It’s really rewarding, because you see people enjoying each other,” Carey said. “Everybody is happy to see each other.”

All walks of life attend the event, they said. “There is a variety of people,” Schultz said, including widows and empty nesters who don’t have family in town with whom to spend the holiday.

Last year, 185 people attended, Carey said. This year, the volunteers will cook 16 turkeys for the hungry crowd.

Several businesses chip in by providing food or services. Local caterer Mike McGovern provides the all-important “mashed potatoes, gravy and sage advice,” Carey said. McDonald’s restaurant provides the punch. The Optimist Club allows free use of the building. And Pixel Grafix Studio donates flyers and signs. Volunteers not only assist with preparing the meal, but also with greeting, set-up, clean-up and donating roasters.

“It’s all about the community,” Schultz said.