“We are not going to have Thanksgiving dinner!”
Paula’s heart broke when she heard those words from her four granddaughters, ages 6, 9, 10 and 11. Like any grandmother, she wants to provide the best for those she loves. The holidays are supposed to be a time of special family memories, delicious food and great joy. But with food being low in her household, these seemed impossible to provide. But then Paula was introduced to St. Vincent de Paul.
She knew of SVdP, but it wasn’t until Paula’s neighbor invited her to come for Family Evening Meal in the Family Dining Room that she learned about the hot nutritious meals SVdP serves every weeknight throughout the year to low-income and homeless families. This was a pleasant surprise and great support to Paula and her girls. She has since brought multiple family members — her daughter, grandkids, nieces and nephews — to experience the warm welcome and nutritious, filling meals.
After several visits, Paula discovered that SVdP also offers special holiday celebrations, like Thanksgiving meal, in addition to its regular weeknight dinners. These special events make it so every parent and child who attends can experience the fond memories and tasty dishes that are associated with the holidays.
Now Paula and her family will be among the thousands of people to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at one of SVdP’s five dining rooms across the Valley. In the midst of festive decorations and memorable activities, they will be served a classic meal of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almandine, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream! SVdP gives Paula, her granddaughters, and so many others hope in knowing that they are not forgotten on this most special of holidays, and that special family memories, delicious food and great joy are possible in abundance!
“It gives me a lot of hope because of my grandkids,” said Paula of the dinner service and particularly of SVdP’s Thanksgiving meal. “I worry about my grandkids. It really gives me a lot of hope because when I have nothing, I know where to bring them.”
