BonnerSprings.com

Following a divorce and her father’s illness, Bonner Springs resident Jodi Shelton-Langley found herself sitting at home alone one Thanksgiving Day.

“I thought, ‘this is ridiculous. I could be doing something for somebody. What can I do for someone?’” she recalls.

That was 13 years ago, and ever since that lonely day, Langley has spent every Thanksgiving giving back at the annual Bonner Springs Community Thanksgiving Dinner by delivering meals to those who she sympathizes with all too well.

As always, this year’s dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, at the First Christian Church, 148 Nettleton.

Leading the event, LeAnne DeTar Newbert said she’s preparing for more people than ever this year.

“This year I am expecting there to be more people because of the economy,” she said. “I think people are going to take advantage (of the free meal). Maybe they could buy a turkey, but it’s not a priority this year.”

The dinner usually draws in about 50 to 60 people, including the orders delivered by volunteers such as Langley. This year, DeTar Newbert said they’re preparing enough food for 125 people.

“In this community, Thanksgiving is becoming more of a community thing and Christmas is more personal,” DeTar Newbert said. “Maybe people are planning to travel for Christmas (and not Thanksgiving). In this economy, the Christmas holiday seems like a higher priority.”

For others, DeTar Newbert said, many of the people attending the dinner would otherwise be alone for one reason or another. The dinner, she said, gives people the choice to be around friends and reconnect with neighbors.

The food won’t change much from previous years. Bonner Springs resident Dorothy Klamm has again volunteered to make the turkey, and several area churches will provide side dishes, gravy and desserts.

“It’s going to be a good ol’ dinner,” DeTar Newbert said. “The same dinner we always have, but we’re fixing more so we’re hoping lots of people will come.”

Like DeTar Newbert, Langley said she can’t wait for the dinner to arrive. Even though her volunteer efforts started out as a way to escape being alone, over the years it’s evolved into something so much more.

“It has turned into the best holiday,” she said. “Every year I know what I’m doing.”

Langley has her regulars she’s delivered Thanksgiving meals to since the beginning. She’s become friends with many and said she looks forward to their smile when she comes to the door with the food.

“They look forward to seeing me and I look forward to seeing them,” she said. “I just think it’s neat to develop relationships and meet people I would have never otherwise met.”

Langley said she thought the event was a positive community tradition and wished more people would discover it.

“It’s really rewarding,” Langley said of being involved. “This really saved my holiday.”

Holiday Punch

For those cooking Thanksgiving dinner at home this year, this easy beverage is a great way to finish off any holiday meal.

• 4 boxes of lemon Jell-O

• 3 cups sugar

• 4 cups water

• 1 can of frozen orange juice

• 1 can frozen lemonade

• 64 ounces cranberry-apple juice

• 64 ounces cranberry juice

• 64 ounces Sprite

Prepare the Jell-O as directed on the packages, then add sugar and water. Add the frozen juices and water as directed on the cans. Add cranberry-apple juice, mixing well, and transfer to the freezer. To serve the drink, thaw it partially and add Spite and cranberry juice right before pouring into cups. This recipe makes about 50 cups of punch.

Submitted by: Sandy Sheble, Basehor

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