NORMAN — Crowds of people packed into the Norman High School commons area Thursday afternoon for the city’s first community Thanksgiving meal.
Alice Thacker, a volunteer with United Way, said several organizations including Food and Shelter for Friends and Community Action Agency collaborated to make the dinner possible. United Way also was a part of it with additional sponsors.
“We are here today as sponsors as the community wide Thanksgiving dinner,” Thacker said.
She said at least 160 people volunteered to serve meals. The University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team showed up to help out.
“We are so grateful because we have so many volunteers,” Thacker said.
M.J. Brienen of Norman could have spent the holiday with her family in Dallas, Texas, but she chose to stay and volunteer at the dinner.
“I just wanted to give back,” Brienen said.
Brienen passed out trays of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to the hungry crowd.
Lunch was served beginning at noon. The meal was free.
Brienen said a line of people stood outside ready for the doors to open early.
“Everybody seems to be very happy and joyous,” she said.
Brienen said she was happy to see the crowd of people inside the cafeteria.
“This has only been a half hour,” she said. “I expect more people to come by.”
Gail Grego said she arrived ready to volunteer. However, there already were enough volunteers.
Instead of leaving, Grego and her son decided to stay, mingle and eat.
“It’s great,” Grego said. “This is a great annual thing for our community.”
Grego said she liked the entertainment and food.
“It’s a win-win situation for us,” she said.
Grego sat and spoke with Carolyn Howley of Norman. Howley said she enjoyed the meal and would attend again.
“I think this is very nice of them to do,” Howley said.
Bill George Jr., volunteer coordinator and social services assistant for Food and Shelter for Friends, said he was pleased with Thursday’s attendance and those who wanted to volunteer.
“It’s been a lot of fun and everyone has been in the spirit of giving,” George said.
George said about 150 people had been served by 12:20 p.m. The public was welcome until doors closed at 2 p.m.
He said Oklahoma Electric Cooperative provided a grant that covered some of the meal’s costs. Several others donated turkeys.
“Everybody wants to contribute,” George said.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@ normantranscript.com
