NORWALK, Conn. – The Community Thanksgiving Luncheon announced the success of its 18th Annual Event, held at Cornerstone Community Church. This year’s event reached more than 350 individuals with participation from neighboring towns.
"On Sunday, hundreds of residents came out and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal prepared by the community for the community,” said Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “It was an honor to serve and be a part of such a great group of volunteers. Special thanks to Liz Ward and Amy Silvester for their leadership and dedication. They are wonderful. The Community Thanksgiving Luncheon is truly an event that makes Norwalk special,” Duff said.
The event opened with a musical performance sponsored by the Love ALL Project. The Community Drum Circle brought children together through music, specifically focusing on rhythm as a tool for unity. Participating organizations included Person-to-Person, the Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County, and Cornerstone Community Church.
Undertaking a new initiative this year, the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon distributed over 40 ‘blessing bags,’ the contents of which were donated and assembled by volunteers from the Al-Madany Islamic Center of Norwalk. Each bag, donated by 2-1-1 Connecticut, contained a reusable water bottle, hand and toe warmers, a poncho, lotion, tooth brushes, tissues, wipes, a flashlight, an emergency blanket, a first aid kit, and bus tokens.
The Community Thanksgiving Luncheon relies upon the participation of caring individuals and other local businesses and organizations; however, none of it would have been possible without the Needs Clearing House and Chicken Joe’s of Cos Cob. For the third consecutive year, they generously donated the majority of the food and volunteers also worked all day to cook and prepare the feast. Additional thanks goes to Stew Leonard’s for donating turkeys, Pepperidge Farm for donating stuffing, and Boy Scout Troop 19 and the Girl Scouts for their hard work and enthusiasm.
No gift is too small! If you wish to donate for the next event, you can do so online at www.community-thanksgiving.org/donate or send a check or money order to the address below. Cornerstone Community Church is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Cornerstone Community Church
718 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
Checks should be payable to Cornerstone Community Church with "Thanksgiving Luncheon” in the memo line.
Next year’s event will take place on Sunday, November 18 from 12p to 2p. To get involved, please visit www.community-thanksgiving.org or email thanks@community-thanksgiving.org.
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