Eugene’s largest charity effort to feed thousands
The 31st annual Whiteaker Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner is coming up on Nov. 28. Held at the Whiteaker Community Head Start Center at 21 North Grand Avenue in Eugene, the dinner will take place from 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There will also be a fun giveaway event from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Last year, they served more than 2,200 men, women and children and are expecting more attendees this year. They also plan to give away much-needed sleeping bags, clothing, toiletries and more.
In recent years, they have made the event more eco-friendly. Not only are the volunteers helping people in need, but the earth as well. “More than 85% of the waste was diverted away from the landfill,” states the Whiteaker Community Dinner website.
Some of the volunteer chefs and cooks come from other community outlets such as Lane Community College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs. Many local churches help prepare food while local businesses and organizations donate food.
“This is much more than a free dinner. It is a day of community warmth and sharing,” the website states. “It is a day our community comes together to share respect and support for each other.”
The history of the Whiteaker Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner begins in November 1973 when a single mother and her four hungry children couldn’t get a warm Thanksgiving dinner. After contacting the local sheriff’s department for assistance, she and her children got to have a Thanksgiving feast thanks to the generosity of many donors.
In 1978, the mother was so grateful for what happened to her five years prior that she and a group of neighbors offered up free meals to anyone who needed them. Over 60 people showed up to the first event, starting the local tradition.
With the event shutting down for some years, they eventually came back and started again with more lofty goals. The Free Thanksgiving Dinner Event still goes strong to this day.
Donations for the dinners can be made with cash at the website for the Whitaker Thanksgiving event or by giving items at Windermere Real Estate at 1600 Oak Street from Nov. 6 to Dec. 7 and at the Whiteaker Community Head Start Center on Nov. 17, 23 and 27.
Giving time to volunteer this year at the event is very much appreciated and while giving out those very essential supplies to those in need, individuals can meet and talk to new people, spreading the joy of the community.
