BY ANDREAS YILMA

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

BEACON FALLS — Beacon Falls Congregational Church’s Community Outreach Team delivered Thanksgiving dinners to town residents in need Nov. 24.

About 15 volunteers, including 7 church members, helped make about 60 meals featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mixed veggies, a small individual pie, a roll with butter, as well as a pleasant note from the church and some candy, said Wendy Hopkinson, Community Outreach Team volunteer and Board of Finance member.

Thanksgiving meals could be picked up or delivered, but most meals were driven to residents’ homes.

“I would say a majority of our deliveries are typically people who are on their own,” Hopkinson said. “It’s typically senior citizens.”

She noted the church was blessed to have businesses, civic organizations and residents give back.

Some companies or organizations that donated funds or food include Beacon Falls Lions and Lioness clubs, United Day School, Pond Spring Village Community, Goldenrod Corp. and Kolga Industries.

“I would say this whole project is meaningful to the community,” Hopkinson said. “First we’re engaging businesses and residents, and people are so good. They donate whatever we ask for. People always come through in this community.”

Hopkinson said members initially wanted to do a sit-down dinner at the church, 69 Wolfe Ave., but the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans.

“We decided to do delivery and pick-up … and that worked out really well,” she said, “so let’s just keep doing it the same way.”

The Community Outreach Team, which launched about four years ago, next is planning a Christmas Eve dinner giveaway. The group also provides monthly food deliveries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to residents in need.

Residents must sign up with the church office at least a week before Christmas to be on the list for the Christmas Eve dinner delivery, but they can sign up at any time for the monthly food service.