RESIDENTS’ GENEROSITY BENEFITS HAVEN
Shelter to enjoy Thanksgiving feast delivered by bighearted citizens
On Thursday, 50 women and children at HAVEN will sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of a small group of Sylvan Lake residents with big hearts.
The turkey train — three vehicles loaded with 10 turkeys, stuffing, 45 pounds of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberries and pies — will leave Sylvan Lake on Thursday morning headed to the shelter for victims of physical and sexual abuse.
The recent Michigan COVID-19 restrictions for the holiday will not come into play.
“I did speak with HAVEN and
we can’t go inside. Once we pull up, we’ll call and they’ll send people out to get it. They’re really excited,’’ said Midge Davidson, a longtime Sylvan Lake resident.
It all started with a germ of an idea by Davidson. Now her garage is filling up with food.
“I’m blown away by the generosity,’’ Davidson said.
At the beginning of the pandemic in March she reached out to residents who were alone and could use a good hot meal every Saturday. She organized the weekly meals with other volunteers that became known as the Food Fairies. It was a project that delivered meals to 22 people in Sylvan Lake through the summer.
She contacted those same people several weeks ago to see if they would like a Thanksgiving dinner delivered and only four responded. They will get a dinner delivered, but Davidson wanted to do more.
“Here I am all prepared to do this big dinner, how can I make it work?’’ Davidson said.
She posted on the Sylvan Lake website that she was thinking of creating a Thanksgiving project. She had 15-16 people — now known as the Gobble Gang — sign up the first day.
“I met with HAVEN to make sure they trusted us, that we were not some weirdness that wanted to get our nose into something that sensitive,’’ Davidson said. “I built a relationship and then I put out my spreadsheet to ask people to fill in what they wanted to do.’’
She is providing the 10 turkeys with stuffing and gravy.
Maria Mierzwa signed up to make 45 pounds of mashed potatoes. Also on the menu are huge pans of old-fashioned green bean casserole, cranberries, rolls, mac and cheese, and, of course, pies.
“People were so generous. Larry Jack and Jeff Bounsall took all six pies. I had people saying, ‘ Wait a minute you only had that out for a day . What I can bring?’’’ Davidson said.
So she contacted HAVEN to get a list of their other non-food needs.
Julie Conkey donated dozens of pairs of new leggings which was a big need. Sandi K. Voiles brought a case of large bottles of hand lotion. Laurie Runk found a boutique going out of business in Rochester and walked out with a huge bag of hats.
Rep. Brenda Carter, who represents Sylvan Lake, donated cases of kids Michigan activities books and brand-new boxes of crayons.
Three massive loads of goods have been delivered.
“Everything from cases of toilet paper to lotion to fleece blankets,’’ Davidson said. “It’s been unbelievable.’’