Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Event chairwoman Mikki Moesch, right, works with volunteer Zach Marconie to prepare a carryout order at the Zion Lutheran Church holiday meal.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Guests gather around tables in the Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall for the annual Thanksgiving event, with 140 or more meals expected to be served.
The family of community came together Thursday as Shawano County neighbors, friends and acquaintances gathered to share a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Turkey, stuffing, cranberries and more were plentiful inside the Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall, where dozens of people enjoyed the holiday together.
“It’s nice to be here,” said Beverly Goering, who drove from Cecil with her husband, Fred, to participate in the annual community event.
Goering said the feast prepared and served by volunteers was so abundant that she had a tough time making her selections.
“I had little bits of everything,” she said with a smile.
For nearly 20 years, Zion Lutheran Church volunteers and supporters have organized the Thanksgiving dinner in the church at 1254 S. Union St.
Mikki Moesch, chairwoman of the Church In Society committee that plans the event, said the holiday gathering allows her to enjoy two of her favorite things: cooking and people.
“I like to see this group of people come together,” she said. “It’s their family.”
In her eighth year as the event’s chairwoman, Moesch estimated that at least 30 volunteers are involved in preparing and serving 140 or more meals, including some that are served carryout style. Donations are accepted, but all the money is donated to an outside nonprofit organization battling hunger.
Any leftover food is donated, too, to the Safe Haven domestic violence shelter in Shawano.
Volunteers across town at First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Presbyterian St., spend their holiday delivering meals to people who cannot make the trip to Zion Lutheran for dinner.
Chuck and Maxine Williams showed up at Zion Lutheran and volunteered to wash dishes. It was the couple’s first time getting involved in the event, after their usual holiday plans changed and they decided to find a volunteer opportunity in the community.
“This is the day to give back,” Maxine said. “It feels warm.”
Starting at noon and continuing for hours, the church feast attracted senior citizens, young families and many others inside Zion Lutheran. Gathered around large tables, people smiled at one another and shared the delicious meal amid friends and strangers alike.
Gene Lasch, who lost his wife a few years ago, attended the event by himself. Lasch, however, was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was dining with a man whose father had been friends with Lasch’s father.
“It’s great,” Lasch said. “It’s amazing how many people you know.”