CHARLES TOWN - A community Thanksgiving celebration planned for Nov. 20 will bring together residents, service organizations and local agencies to provide a holiday meal and connect people with resources during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
The event, hosted by the Berkeley County Community Outreach for Resources and Education (C.O.R.E.) Team through its monthly Loving Our Community program, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Charles Town Presbyterian Church.
Caroline Wilson, case manager for the C.O.R.E. Team, said organizers plan to combine the program's usual offerings of free clothing, hygiene products and access to community services with a Thanksgiving-style meal open to the public.
The meal will feature hearty, home-style food in a welcoming environment, with organizers encouraging attendees to enjoy the gathering regardless of their financial circumstances.
"We wanted to make it a special event," Wilson said. "I'm hoping that people will be able to eat a holiday meal in a place where they feel welcomed and cared about and also be able to maybe get some of their needs met."
This will be the first time Loving Our Community has organized a Thanksgiving celebration. Wilson said organizers recognized a need for an additional community meal in Jefferson County, where a similar Thanksgiving gathering has not traditionally been available.
"I want it to be like more homey. I want it to be more like if you want to get seconds, you can," Wilson said.
Loving Our Community alternates between Berkeley and Jefferson counties monthly, providing free items and connecting residents with local resources. The program has operated monthly for approximately three and a half years after previously holding events annually.
The Jefferson County gatherings typically serve between 60 and 90 people, while events in Martinsburg draw between 120 and 150 people.
Several organizations are expected to participate in the Nov. 20 event, including the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, EPIC, the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC), Shenandoah Community Health, Kiwanis, K-Kids and the Jefferson-Berkeley Alliance.
Representatives will provide services on-site or help attendees connect with organizations that can address their needs.
The Thanksgiving celebration is one of several activities planned in recognition of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Other events include a luncheon at Community Cup, where community members and local decision-makers can learn about hunger and homelessness issues and meet with organizations working to address them. Talamon also plans to organize a Fill a Truck collection effort during the week.
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