Hundreds enjoy Thanksgiving feast in Herrin - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Hundreds enjoy Thanksgiving feast in Herrin

Posted: Updated:
Written by Allison Twaits - email

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:28:33 GMT
    Crews are working to finish installing the solar panels.
    In just a few months the city of Ashburn will be one of the only cities in the country to have their water system primarily powered by solar panels. It's a project that will save the city thousands of dollars.
    In just a few months the city of Ashburn will be one of the only cities in the country to have their water system primarily powered by solar panels. It's a project that will save the city thousands of dollars.

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:17:14 GMT
    Right now, American Red Cross volunteers are at work in Oklahoma staffing shelters and serving meals and helping tornado survivors put their lives back together. We all know the Red Cross is there during
    We all know the Red Cross is there during big disasters like the tornado in Oklahoma. But the emergency to which they respond most is a house fire, and they desperately need volunteers to help.

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:02:02 GMT
    The Albany Police Depart is engaged in a recruitment campaign to get its officer corps up to full strength. APD is budgeted for 214 officers, and right now is about 20 officers short of that level, and
    The Albany Police Depart is engaged in a recruitment campaign to get its officer corps up to full strength. APD offers the training program for people who do not already have POST certification. Starting salary for a rookie officer is over $33,000 annually.
    •   
HERRIN, IL (KFVS) -

It doesn't matter what their favorite Thanksgiving food is or why they showed up.

Hundreds filed in to be a part of the Herrin's Civic Centers Thanksgiving feast.

While guest enjoyed the company of others and of course the delicious food, volunteers worked hard making sure it all came together.

"It's so fulfilling because people are so willing to open up their hearts and just give you a big ol' hug," says Darlene Fooid, a four year volunteer. "I love to see the smile on people's faces and I really enjoy it every year," says Fooid.

What's a dinner without a little entertainment?

Donnie Falknor, a Herrin native, never thought twice about making the trip from Florida to be a part of the feast for the 11th year in a row.

"That's what it's all about, that's the name, being thankful for what we have and recognizing all of those things together on one day," says Falknor "Whether it's family, friends, the things that you have yourself or an opportunity to share with others."

Falknor sang Christmas tunes during the meal, and people weren't hesitant to get up and dance, but there is something else he enjoys the most about Thanksgiving.

"When I see a couple in their eighties and they are sitting close together, maybe one of them is in a wheelchair and when I'm doing a song, whether it's a Christmas song or 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and I see them get closer together and grab each other's hand, it's priceless."

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.