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Family Tradition to Volunteer on Thanksgiving

Julie Bercik

Story Created: Nov 26, 2009 at 1:30 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM CDT

Thousands in the valley have Thanksgiving dinner tonight, thanks to your generous donations.
The Valley Rescue Mission served close to 500 people Thursday afternoon.
It also delivered between 200-300 meals to Damascus Way.
To do so, volunteers cooked four dozen of hams and turkeys, prepared 25 pans of dressing, as well as all of the fixings.
Volunteers like 12-year-old Emily Culpepper served the food.
I like helping people, that's the number one thing I like to do,” she said.
While Emily is an experienced volunteer, others like mom and son, Colette Rutledge and Caleb Porch are volunteering for the first time.
“This is my opportunity to show my son how blessed we are and what opportunities we have in life,’ said Rutledge.
At just seven- years- old, Caleb knows he is blessed, and he wants to help others.
“It's a special day today and we love Thanksgiving,” he said. “ We need to be thankful for ourselves and everyone."
It's the same story for Howard Willis. In town from Savannah, he said volunteering is what today is all about.
"I enjoy helping people,” said Willis. “I think it's important to be here an help people and make sure everyone gets fed for Thanksgiving."
For many families volunteering at the Valley Rescue Mission is a tradition. For others, like the Tilmans want it to become a their tradition.
"I think God calls us as believers to serve his people, so I count service as a privilege,” said Audrey Tilman. “ I'm honored to be here, I'm honored to have my son here."
With so many people in need this year, volunteers saw first hand how great the demand in our community really is.
“It will just allow me to know that everyday is Thanksgiving,” said Rutledge.