Local veterans preparing a hot meal for ‘anyone with nowhere to go’ on Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving Day meal needs a little preparation.

Preparing a meal for more than 100 people takes just a little bit more time, which is why members and volunteers with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10420 spent their Wednesday morning chopping veggies, peeling potatoes and roasting turkeys.

The VFW post, located off U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet, will host its third annual Thanksgiving dinner Thursday afternoon to a crowd of more than 100, said Paul Roberts, past commander of the post.

“Anyone who doesn’t have anywhere to go is welcome here,” he said.

The meal, which was funded through donations, is free and open to the public, Roberts said. Most of the past attendees were veterans without close relatives or people who have lost spouses, but once they enter the VFW everyone becomes family.

“It’s just nice knowing there’s a place for anybody and everybody,” said John Clark, who was peeling potatoes in the kitchen.

Clark, a member of the VFW, said he volunteers any way he can so that everyone can have a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day. The post will serve up several hams, squash, mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing and, of course, a barrage of turkeys to please all tastes. Guests can choose from roasted, smoked and fried turkeys – all cooked by volunteers.

The meal also serves as an opportunity for people to catch up with old friends or meet new people, said Gordon Ray, post member and kitchen volunteer.

“It’s a nice affair with a terrific organization,” he said. “Everyone is just so welcoming.”

Besides giving everyone a place to go for the holiday, the meal also keeps the VFW post “alive and thriving” since many veterans don’t have anywhere else to go, said Philip Manna, lovingly referred to as “Bear” among post members. A VFW gives members a home away from home where they can share stories, drink a cold beer or just relax with other Veterans of Foreign Wars, Manna said.

Extending a hot meal to the local community – veterans included – means so much more than just an extra helping of turkey.

“It means everything,” Manna said while slicing squash. “We support our local veterans here.”

The VFW will serve Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday at the post, 4359 U.S. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet. The meal is free but donations are appreciated. For more information, call the post at 843-651-6900.

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 1:51 PM with the headline "Local veterans preparing a hot meal for ‘anyone with nowhere to go’ on Thanksgiving."