“I just wanted to give back to the community.  I could have just stayed home.  But, I wanted to help others on Thanksgiving.”

Those are the words of Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church member Mike Cropper, who helped to deliver meals on Thanksgiving Day through the Care and Share program.

This was the 28th year that the Church has provided meals on Thanksgiving Day to those new to the North Royalton Community or who may not have any family or who might otherwise be alone on the holiday.  Judging by the number of people who came to the church for dinner, upwards of 400, fellowship was the big winner.

The total number of meals prepared by volunteers was more than 1,700.  That’s the most ever.

Lisa Martin has volunteered at the dinner for 22 years and has been coordinating the event for the last 20 years.

“We started cooking on Tuesday morning (two days before Thanksgiving).  We prepare 850 pounds of turkey breast, bone-in, plus 10 whole turkeys for those who like dark meat.”  Add to that all the trimmings and desserts.  What an effort by the volunteers!

The effort began on the Monday before Thanksgiving when 40 members of the North Royalton Swim Team sorted through grocery bags to ensure canned goods distributed on Thanksgiving Day were not post-dated.

On Thanksgiving Day, 100 drivers, including Mike Cropper, volunteered their time and their cars to deliver about 1,300 meals to shut-ins in North Royalton and other nearby communities.  I tagged along with Mike as he delivered his meals.

The folks who Mike visited included those who were dealing with medical problems or who would be by themselves on this “family” holiday.

Mike introduced himself to those who requested a meal and spent a few minutes talking with them.  “I may be the only visitor they see on Thanksgiving Day.  That makes me feel good to brighten someone’s day.”

I learned that this was Mike’s first year as a driver because he just joined Royal Redeemer.  He may be a rookie, but Mike’s compassion was evident.

The story about the Care and Share Dinner is about the 1,700 people who enjoyed their Thanksgiving Day.  It’s also about the volunteers who give of their time.

Steve and Don Berish who served as unofficial doormen at the church, directed visitors to where the meal was being served, and walked those to the kitchen area if they were looking for carryout.  As Steve said, “this is our family tradition, volunteering in the morning, eating dinner in the afternoon.”

Pat Bauer’s job in the kitchen was to carve those turkeys.  “To feed all these people, you need many helping hands,” Bauer said.  Kim Hittle began volunteering eight years ago. “I just love being with people.”  Her job was to put a smile on your face and provide a kind word to all.  Kim did her job well.

Lisa Martin has learned over the years not to turn any volunteer away, even if they come at the last minute.  “For those volunteers, it may be their way of not being alone on Thanksgiving.  This is just another way to help.”

The goal of the Care and Share Ministry every year is really quite simple. “We hope that we are able to provide a meal for those in the community who will either be alone or don’t have enough food for the holiday. I delivered a meal to a person who had nothing in their refrigerator. Not even a gallon of milk. And that was right here in North Royalton,” said Martin.

Next Thanksgiving Day, make it a point to volunteer at the Care and Share Meal.  They’ll welcome the help.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI

Contributing  Writer