By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
Nearly 400 children sat down for a hearty Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday at the 15th annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.
Over 50 volunteers, such as Greenwich High School Headmaster Chris Winters, Chief of Police James Heavey and several GPD officers, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski and Assistant Chief Robert Kick, along with Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano, Eastern Middle School Principal Ralph Mayo, and various Club board members, helped dish out turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh green beans, and apple and pumpkin pies.
“For me, this is pure joy. It’s one of my favorite days of the year,” said club CEO, Bobby Walker, Jr. “This is our family meal. If Thanksgiving is about getting the family together, this is what this is all about, too. It’s about the Boys & Girls Club’s family coming back together to break bread together. This is a day for our kids to feel really special.”
The event has grown each year since it began 15 years ago. For club program director, Don Palmer, it’s a special evening because so many past club alumni come back to volunteer.
“I think it’s outstanding. It’s a tremendous community event,” he said. “I think it’s great when you get everybody from the outside community to come into the club; it’s a real plus for us as an organization and for the kids.”
Planning for the big feast begins in September, and was sponsored by Watson’s Catering, Morgan Stanley, Stew Leonard’s, the Wolff Family, Michael Creamer Landscaping and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
This year, 26 turkeys were donated by Stew Leonard’s. Watson’s Catering helped put the meal together, which featured 200 pounds of potatoes, 64 pounds of green beans, 20 gallons of stuffing and three gallons of cranberry sauce.
“It feels great. It’s good to give back. Every year I’m so happy to do that,” said head chef of Watson’s Catering, Alfredo Maldonado.
Chief Heavey, who went to the club as a kid, volunteered at the feast and was on turkey-duty. Last year, he helped serve up gravy.
“I’m always trying to give back. It’s really enjoyable,” Heavey said. “It’s a great way to get in the spirit of Thanksgiving.” Several officers also volunteered and chatted with the children as they sat down and ate.
Fire Chief Siecienski took part in his 11th feast and handed out slices of apple and pumpkin pie. He said volunteering gives him a chance to see other members of the community he might not see otherwise.
Siecienski also noted that it’s important to hold this feast every year, partly because for some children, it might be the best Thanksgiving meal they have.
“There are no frowns here,” he said. “Just smiles.”
