COUNTY OF MCDONALD (KOAM) – McDonald High School seniors are getting ready to host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner this weekend. This is the second year that the event has been held.
The Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society put together the event, which had to end a break because of COVID-19. Once more, this year’s grads are getting together to help others.
Raquel Robinette, a senior, says, “Everyone should be able to sit down and enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal because it makes you feel good.”
Her friends and she are making a free Thanksgiving meal for everyone in the neighborhood. She says she’s thankful for it and has always had it.
She says, “I’ve always been lucky enough to have good meals and good times with my family during the holidays, but I know that’s not the case for everyone.”
At first, trying to get donations from different groups was hard for the program. But this time, high school student Katelyn Meador says it was a lot easier.
“It was a lot easier than last year,” says Meador. It was hard to decide where to begin last year. But we were able to get through it. This past year was rough.
Most of the time, the kids don’t get paid or get college credit for it. They do it because they want to connect with people.
Robinette said, “I hope everyone knows that you shouldn’t feel ashamed.” It’s not a call for help. We love living in this neighborhood.”
Robinette and Meador both say that this makes people feel like they are part of a group and is a part of who they are.
“Anyway, you can give back to the community that constantly gives back to you is worth something,” she says.
“Just knowing that I got help get other people in the opportunity experience what I get to have,” Meador adds. It makes me feel great.”
Robinette and Meador are both seniors this year, but they still want this event to happen again.