by Mary Jo David

The Stockbridge Community Thanksgiving Dinner is embarking on its 31st year as a highly valued, local tradition. If walls could talk, the cafeteria at Heritage School in Stockbridge would have many stories to tell about those who partake in this annual meal on Thanksgiving Day. For some, it’s a social time—a time to meet up with local friends before meeting with family later in the day. For those who are alone, it’s a welcome opportunity to spend a holiday in the company of others. And for those who are housebound, this is one day they can count on a traditional holiday meal being delivered to their door.

None of this could happen without volunteers in the community. Some donate money and/or food. Some give of their time.

So who are those who give their time? Surprisingly, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner team is not at a loss for volunteers to help feed upwards of 400 people. Take the Godwins and Lentzes for example.

The Godwins

Kip and Nan Godwin have helped with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner since about 2017. Early on, the Godwins were working, so they focused their efforts on volunteering Thanksgiving Day. After retiring, Kip began volunteering on the Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving. He helps where needed—separating light and dark turkey meat, making bean salad, or mashing potatoes. On Thanksgiving Day, Nan and the others who work “the front of the house,” keep a watchful eye for those who may need some company or assistance, while Kip works with others in the kitchen.

“The community support and volunteer network for this dinner are amazing,” Kip said. “Erin [Smith] does a terrific job of pulling people together into groups that work really well together. It is run SO smoothly.”

Kip’s job doesn’t end when dinner is served. A few years ago, he spearheaded the effort to start recycling the many steel cans, aluminum trays, and cardboard leftover from the dinner prep. After recycling is done, the Godwins return home, rest for a short time, and then enjoy the remainder of the day with their family.

The Lentzes

Phil Lentz and his children, 12-year-old Bennett and 9-year-old Hazel, have been volunteering at the Community Thanksgiving Dinners for about six years. Phil’s wife is a nurse, so while she works Thanksgivings, they’ve used this opportunity to teach their kids what it means to give back to the community. Phil and his kids work the roll station at the dinner—bagging up rolls for dining in and for meal deliveries.

“Stockbridge is a small town, but a lot of people really care,” Phil said. “Volunteering here opened my eyes, and I hope it has opened my kids’ eyes to see that people really care about one another. The whole atmosphere is so inviting.”

For the first time in many years, Tracie Lentz will not be working on Thanksgiving. But you’ll still find Phil and the kids “on a roll” this year. And although he wasn’t certain yet, wife Tracie may be joining the team.

Both Kip Godwin and Phil Lentz encourage anyone who has considered volunteering with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner to “just do it!” Neither of them have any regrets.  

Passing the torch

For 12 years, Erin Smith has volunteered with and then led the Community Thanksgiving Dinner effort. Now she’s ready to hand off the responsibility to someone new—ideally to a good organizer and people person, and of course, someone who values community.

“I’m hoping we’ll find someone willing to take over. I have given up family time for the last 12 years—no regrets—but I’m just ready to pass the torch,” Smith said.

If you’re interested in finding out more about leading the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, stop in on Thanksgiving Day (between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) at Heritage School to talk to Erin. Or email stockbridgecommunitynews@gmail.com and we’ll help to put you in touch with Erin Smith.