Friday’s Thanksgiving dinner at the Orillia Youth Centre was like a family gathering for Jessica.
After all, “we’re all like a big family” at the centre, said the 14-year-old frequent visitor.
About 70 people showed up for the free meal, and that was just at the beginning. More were expected to stop in early in the evening.
The dinner was appreciated by youth who attend the centre, including Jessica.
“A lot of the kids who come down to the youth centre don’t have much. Dinners like this help a lot,” she said. “The youth centre helps the kids, and the community gives back by supporting the youth centre.”
That was the case on Friday. The food was donated for the event. Era 67 staff cooked the turkey and ham. Wagg’s donated the linen for the tables. City of Orillia staff pitched in to provide dessert.
“It’s a nice community feel in that way,” youth centre director Kevin Gangloff said, referring to the event as “an opportunity for youth to bring their family and friends and have Thanksgiving dinner.”
Visitors on Friday were welcome to leave with more than full bellies. Various items, including school supplies, clothing and shoes, were available for anyone who needed them.
The youth centre will hold another free dinner around Christmas, at which time it will also provide kids with stockings.
