VFW brings community together for meal

FREMONT - The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2947 celebrated 30 years of serving free Thanksgiving meals that bring the community together while providing home delivery meals to those in need.

After 30 years of serving 22,000 meals, VFW post commander Terry Stanforth said he has noticed a change in how the public takes advantage of the meal.

"It's been steady the last 15 to 20 years seeing a lot of people come in a need a meal, but we are also seeing growth in home delivery, which is provided by Sacred Heart Church," Stanforth said. "This year they delivered 220 meals."

Stanforth said the growth in home delivery often occurs when senior citizens become immobile, or don't have anywhere to go to celebrate.

Even though he was in charge of dining at the VFW, James Britner said he encouraged all volunteers, about 150, to talk with the people they were helping and get to know them. He said that can be the most important part of a person's day, whether they need a meal or not.

"We wanted to provide a meal, but we also want to socialize because it is Thanksgiving," Britner said. "The volunteers really make it. They do everything from serving to cooking to cleaning up.

"Every year we get more volunteers. The generosity is amazing," Britner said.

The generosity goes beyond the dinning room and kitchen, as local businesses, schools and residents get involved by donating pies, food and money for the event.

Planning begins in September and Stanforth said it takes a lot of hard to work make sure no one goes home hungry.

The meal has become a way to honor Vince Swindt, who started the event when his wife died 30 years so people would never be alone on Thanksgiving. Stanforth said he hopes to continue that tradition for years to come.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-334-1035

Twitter: CraigShoupNH