Image credit: Lisa Wells Hoffman
The Vermilion Fire Department and the Kiwanis Club of Vermilion partnered Thursday afternoon to provide free Thanksgiving meal kits to local residents. The drive-up distribution was held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fire Station 1 on Douglas Street and offered families a turkey and full set of ingredients to prepare a holiday meal at home.
Fire Chief Bill Brown and Fire Marshal Rodney Johnston said the Fire Department’s Social Club covered the cost of the turkeys. Members purchased thirty turkeys at a discounted rate through Giant Eagle with assistance from store manager Paige, who helped secure favorable pricing. The Kiwanis Club supplied the remaining fixings to complete each meal kit.
Johnston said the planning began in late September after a Kiwanis member contacted the department to explore a possible partnership. The Fire Department agreed to handle the turkeys, while Kiwanis organized and assembled the side items. Although events like the department’s steak fry fundraisers can require months of preparation, organizers said this project came together within only a few weeks.
The Knights of Columbus also reached out Thursday afternoon and offered additional turkeys in the event supplies ran low. The thirty prepared meals were distributed steadily throughout the two-hour period.
Kiwanis President Aime Martin said the collaboration was a success. “It went well. We handed out the 30 meals. It went slow and steady instead of all at once. Kiwanis thanks the Fire Department for partnering with us. We also thank the Knights of Columbus that provided more turkeys to us. We are reaching out to the Girl Scout troop that is handing out meals on Sunday at the library but didn’t have meat with them. So those extra turkeys will help their mission.”
A large joint team of Fire Department members and Kiwanis volunteers staffed the event. More than a dozen people from both groups worked together to direct traffic, load vehicles, handle organization, and make sure each kit was complete. Their combined effort made the process move efficiently for residents arriving throughout the afternoon.
Organizers said community support for Fire Department fundraisers, including the annual steak fry, helps fund outreach events like this one. The department is also preparing for its next community program, Breakfast with Santa, scheduled for December 13.
About the Author
