Volunteer reaches out to those in need by organizing holiday dinner

Event chance for residents to ‘get out and socialize’

Bobbie L. Carpenter

KEYSER — Right after hosting a community-wide Thanksgiving meal in Keyser, 4-H Vista worker Les Dawson began planning an Easter dinner to reach those in need, who are without families, or are unable to fix meals themselves, hoping they will be able to enjoy a hot meal with others during the holiday.

Held in the reception hall Saturday at Jane’s United Methodist Church on Church Street in Keyser, community members in attendance enjoyed the Easter meal with all the trimmings, including ham, turkey, macaroni salad, baked beans, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, beverages and desserts.

Deliveries were also made available to shut-ins or those unable to attend the dinner.

In addition, Dawson made sure transportation was arranged for those in need of a ride.

Jackie Lucas of Keyser, who volunteered in preparing the meal, said the dinners are held to reach those who may not have family to celebrate the holidays with.

“There are so many people who don’t have family members and might have to eat by themselves,” said Lucas. “This is a good opportunity for residents in the community to get out and socialize.”

With a long-time goal of opening a soup kitchen in the Keyser area, Dawson is attempting to show there is need for the project to secure grant funding.

Since Thanksgiving, Dawson said she has made a few phone calls concerning the venture and is in the process of completing paperwork.

As for the dinners, she will continue to host them and even begin hosting a summer barbecue this year at a local park, as well as a Christmas dinner.

“This all depends on if I can get enough funding and donations,” said Dawson.

Volunteers and businesses donated food, funding and gift cards to make the dinner possible.

For more information on volunteering or donating to the community-wide dinners or learning more about Dawson’s soup kitchen project, call her at (304) 813-2511.

Bobbie L. Carpenter can be reached at bcarpenter@times-news.com.