For some, a traditional Thanksgiving meal may not be an option during the holiday season. But Fort Wayne Community School students wanted to make sure it was available to all.
The line of students stretched all the way to the back of the dining area at the Bill C. Anthis Center Tuesday for what they called the “Thanksgiving Giveback.”
The feast was put on by students with the Career Academy’s Culinary Arts program, and featured all the fixins: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more. Their peers were had the chance to enjoy a meal in two sessions: in the late morning or early afternoon.
Ann Applegate is the program’s instructor. She says the students approached her enthusiastically wanting to make a full Thanksgiving dinner for the community.
“This is all driven by students, the idea came from students, I just… we’ve got really talented kids in this community,” Applegate said.
Residents were invited later Tuesday evening to enjoy indoor warmth and a hot meal.
Applegate noted that there was “tons” of food, so like any good Thanksgiving feast there would be leftovers. The students had an idea for that, too.
“Any leftover food that we have, we’re going to donate to the Rescue Mission or some other area that’s putting on a meal this holiday season,” she said.
Seventy-two students between multiple classes helped put the Thanksgiving Giveback event together.
