Well served- TD volunteers feed over 500

Shannon Milburn, 57, fills his “clamshells” with turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes green beans and GRAVY on Thursday afternoon at St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles. The community meal was delivered via volunteers and take-out was also offered as hundreds got an impressive feast complete with pumpkin pie and cranberry.

By Tom Peterson

Days of hard work and organization came to fruition in the form of succulent turkey, stuffing and mash potatoes drenched in gravy.

It is the best time of the year, my friends.

And to make sure everyone in our community received a helping of love and satisfaction, dozens of volunteers turned out today for the annual The Dalles Community Thanksgiving Meal, dished out at St. Mary’s Academy.

Shannon Milburn, 57, turned out early this morning to get the ball rolling as the turkey was prepared, pies were picked up, and side dishes were put together and heated.

The Salvation Army Captain Ray Morris signed in every volunteer as well as every meal as cars lined up in the parking lot at St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles. He and Salvation Army Business Manager Kris Harmon put in a long day, taking care to help feed people needing a meal as well as ensuring their safety and that of those who volunteered on Thursday.

It took a virtual army, but all were in good spirits lifting the heavyweight, literally in the form of giant pans of green beans and stuffing, to name a few.

“It’s giving back, helping when you can,” said Milburn simply.

It was also a bit thrilling when the orders for food were being called out on the serving line.

Runners from the front door would come in calling out the number of meals they needed for the next neighbors.

“I need 3.”

“I got four.”

“Give me seven.”

The shouts would ring out as runners came into the gymnasium at St. Mary’s.

Runners would then grab to-go boxes and work their way down the line as volunteers dished up the delicious food from hot pans.

When the large pans of food would start to dwindle, a call out to the kitchen brought kitchen staff with steaming hot reinforcements. This was not a safe place for those who revel in the simple pleasures of gravy or the savory smells of stuffing.

At another table, volunteers busily cut the pie, grabbed butter pats, rolls, and cranberry to complete each meal.

At the end of the day, Capt. Morris was a bit spent. Asked how many meals had gone out the door, he said, “I’m not sure.”

But after a quick meeting with Business Manager Kris Harmon, they proclaimed “500 plus.”

Not bad for a year that had its incredible challenges of safely serving people during the pandemic.

We here at CCC News take off our hats to those that took time out of their Thanksgiving to give to others who needed a little boost this season!

Cheers, and job well done!

MORE GRAVY - Sterno steamed pans waft to the ceiling as meal organizer Codie Carpenter helps bring in another 400 pan of gravy. Service was brisk early in the day as people showed up as well as called in for meals.

Peggy Peterson dishes up some smashers as Mountain Man, 77, came through the line with another order to go. Mountain Man, who would not give me another name, said he had been there since 8 a.m. and had been volunteering at The Dalles Thanksgiving Community Meal for 25 years. Full Disclosure - Peggy is my wife and she makes a great stuffing half cornmeal, half bread, half love. That’s right 150 percent. I got it made. - Tom

Over the top selfie - TMI - but I do love this woman!