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BROOKFIELD -- Members of the Brookfield Township Outreach Association spent several hours Tuesday making sure area residents had a special Thankgiving celebration.
More than 900 people from the Brookfield and Masury area gathered at the Brookfield fire hall for the ninth annual community Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the association.
Association member Raella Baker said more than 50 workers were on hand, including different churches, the ladies fire auxiliary, local Rotary and Optimist clubs, Brookfield High School groups and township officials.
"We served almost 1,000 people last year and expect to be near that this year. This is our way to give back to the community," said Baker, adding that 225 carryout meals for shut-ins also were distributed.
"We have the greatest group of volunteers. They are kind, giving and nonjudgmental and just help where they can." said Joanne Varga of Brookfield.
Stephanie DeWeese of Brookfield said, "It's great that the community can get together for a Thanksgiving meal. I am here with my dad and my daughter."
Newlyweds Judy and Don Floding of Brookfield said they attended the event to be with other people.
"We have been married for 14 months so this was a way to spend Thanksgiving together and with other people," said Don Floding.
Association member Esther Medved said they spent three hours Monday making 75 loaves of bread for stuffing. They also prepared and cooked 35 turkeys and 12 hams for the meals.
Judi Burdette said the organizations and churches have made the event such a success each year.
"This shows what can be accomplished when everyone comes together," she said.
Enjoying his meal was Gene Sheehan of Brookfield.
"I think it's wonderful what they did. You get to see your neighbors that you don't always get to see and meet new people. The food is great. What they have done is really something special," Gene Sheehan of Brookfield said.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com