PORT ANGELES — Sometimes just being able to carry on is enough to be thankful for.
Undaunted by the difficulties and restrictions brought on by COVID-19, the Port Angeles Salvation Army forged ahead on Wednesday with their traditional day-before-Thanksgiving lunch, passing out more than 100 meals at the door for consumption in the parking lot or elsewhere.
Major Barbara Wehnau said she was grateful the Salvation Army could provide a meal for those in need.
“God provides what we need to help others,” she said. “Without God and without our community, we couldn’t do this.”
A staff of cooks worked to prepare a traditional dinner — or as traditional as possible — for carry-out service in clam-shell service containers.
Volunteers Linda and Doug Crabb of Sequim stir pots of gravy in the Salvation Army food kitchen Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
With a menu of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dinner rolls and dessert, the kitchen was busy with the clatter of pans and the aromas of the season.
Major Ron Wehnau took time to provide taste samples of the main dish, taking delight in his selection of herbs and spices.
Barbara Wehnau said she is always grateful for the work of volunteer cooks and servers.
“I think people forget sometimes how many people help us accomplish it,” she said. “Between the volunteers who come in and work and those who make donations, it couldn’t happen without them.”
Volunteer Phyllis Meyer of Sequim said her three days each week to help with Salvation Army food service is an extension of her years of feeding her family and the satisfaction she received from helping others.
“I’m thankful for the Salvation Army to let me work here, with all the good they do,” she said.
“I just like helping people. I’ve always liked helping people, and I’m glad that I’m able to.”
Wednesday’s lunch was a precursor to a pair of carry-out meals scheduled for Thanksgiving Day on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, there are no sit-down get-togethers.
Koreena Hawkins of Port Angeles slices pies in preparation for Wednesday’s carry-out lunch at the Salvation Army in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Today, Hardy’s Market in Sequim and the TriArea Community Center in Chimacum will box several hundred Thanksgiving dinners.
Hardy’s will man a drive-though tent at 10200 Old Olympic Highway north of Sequim beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until the food is all gone, said manager Derrick Killion.
The Tri-Area Community Center feast co-organizer Rita Hubbard said volunteers expect to distribute 200 to 300 meals between noon and 2 p.m. today.
Reservations are encouraged but not demanded for getting a meal at the center at 10 West Valley Road.
Those who can’t get to the center during the two-hour window can call 360-379-4228 for home delivery.
Instead of hosting a sit-down community meal this Thanksgiving, Serenity House is cooking for clients and sending holiday meal packages out to the homeless in the area, working through the ReDiscovery program and others.
Several meals offered in past years are not happening this year. Among them are St. Paul’s in Port Townsend, Trinity United Methodist Church and Sunshine Cafe in Sequim, and Queen of Angels in Port Angeles.
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Photojournalist Keith Thorpe can be reached at kthorpe@peninsuladailynews.com.
