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YMCA Hosts Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Ascha Lee
/
KMUW
More than 100 volunteers helped serve meals to people in need at the YMCA's 41st Annual We Care Dinner. Food was provided by the Lord's Diner.

The YMCA hosted its 41st free Thanksgiving dinner for families in need.

The nonprofit’s annual “We Care” dinner served about 1,500 people on Wednesday at the downtown location.

Long-time volunteer Scott Schwindaman said he’s watched the event grow throughout the ten years he’s participated.

“I actually have people I’ve taken care of and seated through the years, and actually, you get to know them through this event,” Schwindaman said. “So it’s neat to see those people each year. You know, we get so much more out of it probably than they do.”

More than 100 volunteers helped out at the event this year.

The YMCA partners with other community organizations to distribute tickets to people in need before the event. Free tickets were also available at the door.

Becky Tuttle, director of community development for the YMCA, said they aim to serve as many people in need as possible.

“We’ve been told it’s one of the biggest Thanksgiving meals in the community,” Tuttle said. “Anybody who just wants to have a Thanksgiving meal, or maybe who needs a little extra help [is welcome].”

Food for the event was provided and prepared by the Lord’s Diner.

Guests also had the opportunity to receive coats and other winter clothing items.

Ascha Lee is an assistant with KMUW's Engagement team and an intern with the News Lab. Follow her on Twitter @aschalee. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.