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IHOP, pantry saying thanks in advance

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BY KLINT LOWRY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 28, 2009

As any mother will confirm, it takes much longer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner than it takes to eat it.

Imagine preparing Thanksgiving dinner for 500 people. That is the task The Volunteer Way and local IHOP Restaurants are taking on this year as they seek to provide a comfortable sense of old-fashioned holiday spirit to folks trying to get through the harsh realities of today.

Volunteer Way, a nonprofit organization that feeds thousands of needy people throughout the year at its location on Congress Street, will host a Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 3 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 6310 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey.

The goal is to serve 400 people, according to Volunteer Way assistant CEO Martha O'Brien - not just to provide food, but to make it feel like a holiday.

"We want it to be like a family dinner," O'Brien said, at least in a sense of a community "family." In this current economic crisis, it is almost as vital to feed people's sense of morale as it is to feed their stomachs. To do so, they are going to have to find that spirit within the community.

IHOP, which frequently provides breakfasts at Volunteer Way and many organizations along the Suncoast, is leading the way. The company behind the restaurant chain, the California-based International House of Pancakes LLC, has committed to providing the turkey and mashed potatoes for the meal.

"One of our company's goals is to continue to be involved in the local community," IHOP Area Manager Jack Thompson said. This event will be a bit bigger than the breakfasts they sponsor, but then again, so is the need.

"Times are really hard right now," he said. "Anything we can do to help."

O'Brien is looking for other businesses and individuals who have a similar outlook. They have the turkey and potatoes, but with less than a month to go, they need just about everything else. She is hoping other restaurants will decide to take part by contributing vegetables, bread or dinner rolls, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

They are looking for donations of pies, particularly apple or pumpkin pies. And they could use place settings. Following the goal of making the event feel like a big family party, O'Brien said, they are also looking for activities, particularly for children. Coastal Rental Center has already committed an inflatable moonwalk, and they have some clowns lined up, but other things like games, inflatable attractions, pony rides, would be welcome.

As important as anything, O'Brien said what they really need is people- volunteers who can help with transportation for those who have no way to get to the party, for those who can print posters and do advertising. They need people to serve the food, to help with the set-up the night before the party and to help clean up after it is over.

The Volunteer Way served a Thanksgiving dinner like this two years ago, and it was a big success. O'Brien is keeping her fingers crossed that this year, feeling of a community "family" can still be found.

Those interested in sponsoring or volunteering for the Volunteer Way Thanksgiving dinner can call 727-815-0433 or e-mail Martha@thevolunteerway.org.

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