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DURHAM — Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the ones you love while giving thanks to the positive aspects of your life. What happens when families can not provide the nourishing meal that goes along with the Thanksgiving tradition? The Volunteer Center of Durham reaches out to those in need of a little help during the holidays through their Thanksgiving Dinners program.
The Volunteer Center of Durham is an organization dedicated to providing volunteer opportunities for both teens and adults. They are flexible with on-going projects or one-time volunteering events. They are involved with many aspects of the community and are in close contact with the Department of Social Services. They decided about thirteen years ago to create the Thanksgiving Dinners program contracted through the Department of Social Services, described Dorene Seabron, coordinator for the program.
The program matches volunteers with families.
“The Department of Social Services refers clients that need help with Thanksgiving dinner to The Volunteer Center,” said Seabron.
“Sponsors call in and want to sponsor families,” Seabron said. Once they have called in and expressed interest, they request what size family they want, explained Seabron. The sponsors receive information on their family 24 to 48 hours after their request.
“It must be a hardy and nourishing meal,” said Seabron. A meat, one to two vegetables, starch, drink, bread, and dessert must be included in the meal, which can be donated either cooked or uncooked.
“Sponsors are required to deliver the meals directly to the families,” Seabron said.
Deliveries will be made through Thanksgiving.
Restaurants also participate in the program donating food to feed larger amounts of people. Volunteers can sign up to deliver the food from the restaurants to the applicants.
Many applicants still need sponsorship.
If you are looking for a way to spread the thanks this holiday season contact Dorene Seabron at dorene@thevolunteercenter.org or by phone at (919) 613-5101.
