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HomeNewsArchivesBoys and Girls Clubs Celebrate Thanksgiving with Dinner

Boys and Girls Clubs Celebrate Thanksgiving with Dinner

About 100 members of the Boys and Girls Club in Christiansted gathered together Tuesday after school for their annual Thanksgiving feast.

The smell of savory roast turkey filled the club. The noise level was at a low rumble and tummies were rumbling too. The youngsters stood in the serving line next to tables piled high with food.

The dinner provided and prepared by parents was a perfect after school treat. There was turkey, stuffing, salmon balls, tossed salad, coleslaw, seasoned rice, pies, cakes, cookies and soft drinks.

Junior high school members served the younger members. Board President Shaniece Charlemagne was serving along with a few parents. She said she thought there may be a few children there Tuesday that might not have a Thanksgiving dinner.

“We want the children to know how thankful we are to have them and that we appreciate and love them,” Charlemagne said.

Neil Canton, executive director at the club, said as recipients of the 21st Century Grant, the families are required to offer help and make donations.

“The annual dinner is the perfect way for families to be engaged with the members and the club,” Canton said.

Ashley Clary, assistant to the director, said in preparation Monday for the holiday the youngsters focused their thoughts and feelings on thankfulness.

There was a brief program on what the members are thankful for and a Thanksgiving prayer. The little ones in kindergarten through second grade spelled out Thanksgiving in lines of poetry.

Five students were chosen ahead of time to describe what they were thankful for. They were thankful for having a Boys and Girls Club, the staff at the club, their families, having homes and having food.

While patiently waiting to be served, Chantie Martinez, 7, said she was thankful for life. Nayeli Almanzar, 14, who was serving turkey, said she was thankful for her family and friends.

Seaside Market and Deli donated a turkey and Plaza West gave a gift certificate.

The St. Thomas Club celebrated Thanksgiving Tuesday and dinner will be served Wednesday at the Frederiksted Club. Canton added they also serve members a Christmas dinner.

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