Widener students prepare and serve Thanksgiving meal for area residents
CHESTER >> Widener University hospitality and tourism management students learned the importance of “giving” this holiday by serving a homemade Thanksgiving meal to more than 175 residents at the Salvation Army Wednesday afternoon.
The 20 students, a mix of first-year students in an introductory course and seniors in a leadership development course performed all functions of the meal from fund-raising, buying and preparing the annual feast.
A steady stream of people took a seat inside the bottom floor of the Salvation Army facility on 15th Street. Some residents took their meals to go, while other exchanged in conversation with the students.
As they ate, one man stood to say how lucky they are and thanked God for the meal.
Widener Professor Lisa Logue said in the past students prepared the meals and sent them to the Salvation Army for distribution but nine years ago they were asked to add the service component to the program and it has been a successful addition.
“It’s an an absolute transformative experience,” said Logue. “One of the most amazing things is the seniors they did this when they were freshmen, now it’s come full circle so they been able to see it from the introductory course to taking the leadership roles. It’s really is an awesome opportunity to give back to the community that they are part of over four years. I don’t think there is any better way to do so.
“It makes a more tangible connection, from theory to practice, actually going out and seeing it all the way through,” said Logue.
Logue said the students cooked 27 turkeys for the meal.
“It’s nice to give back to our community this holiday season,” said Reagan McDonnell of Glen Mills as she brought out a tray of turkey and all the fixings.
“I enjoy meeting and interacting with people and seeing the joy on their faces,” Widener student Rebeccca Najdek said. “Their faces light up.”