LAHARPE — Nicole Henry is getting a crash course on community planning this month.
It was barely two weeks ago when, during a conversation with her kids, Henry announced she wanted to host a community Thanksgiving meal in LaHarpe.
That she had no experience in such an ambitious project — she hopes to feed up to 150 hungry mouths on Thanksgiving Day — mattered not a whit.
Henry was cautiously optimistic her fellow Allen Countians would step forward to help her turn her dream into reality.
Boy, have they ever.
Within a few days’ span, Henry was inundated with offers of help. Folks and businesses were calling with cash donations. One lady brought over a turkey.
Son Jay, a freshman at Marmaton Valley High School in Moran, recruited some of his fellow KAY (Kansas Association of Youth) Club members to help volunteer.
Two donations stand out.
Ace Refrigeration of Iola chipped in with $300 last week, at about the same time Henry fielded a call from Derrick and Jennifer Foster, owners of My Cool Neighbor.
The Fosters spent nearly $600 to fill out Henry’s shopping list, ensuring the family had enough food and supplies on hand for next week’s meal.
“And donations are still coming in,” Henry said. “My kids are excited. I’m excited. I can’t wait for next week to get here.”
THE LAHARPE meal will run from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at City Hall.
A veritable smorgasbord is on the menu, with turkey, potatoes and gravy, rolls, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, corn, cranberries and dessert.
A kids corner will offer youngsters an opportunity to partake in games and crafts. They’ll also be welcome to write letters to Santa.
Diners are welcome to either eat at City Hall or take their meals home.
If there’s anything Henry, et al, still need, it’s volunteers, to help set up tables, etc. in the run-up to the meal; servers to ensure folks get their meals in an orderly fashion; and to help with cleanup afterward.
