Volunteering: One Family's Thanksgiving Tradition
Laurel Latimer and her family (Henry, Katie and Sarah) have volunteered for many years, serving Thanksgiving dinner at The Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in Chicago. They have found the opportunity to give of themselves so meaningful that Katie now volunteers to serve those who are homeless around her college in California. We asked Laurel to share why her family volunteers and what is so special about the experience.
Why do you volunteer, especially on a holiday?
Everyone deserves a warm, home-cooked meal during the holidays. Also, we’ve seen that it takes many hands (and hearts) to prepare and distribute these meals, which are served not only during the holidays but year-round. We feel fortunate and humbled to assist for just a couple of those days, and it feels like family... especially when you return year after year.
This Salvation Army's Thanksgiving meal operation is so extensive! An extended, multi-generational group from a Chicago restaurant family arrives early every Thanksgiving Day and spends hours just carving the turkeys! The day is so full and busy - it’s quite a sight to see.
Why do you volunteer for the Salvation Army?
When my grandmother came to Chicago as a young woman looking for work in the early 1900s, The Salvation Army provided her with a room until she found permanent housing. She’d grown up on rural Washington Island in Wisconsin but felt safe in this big, new city thanks to the Army. I think of her when I see the red kettle bell ringers during the holidays or pass a Salvation Army thrift store.
It’s fascinating to see this complex organization from the inside out, and there’s no better way to appreciate the services provided at the Army's Harbor Light Center than to volunteer in some capacity — the work itself explains a lot, and the employees with whom you work explain the rest. The Salvation Army is a multi-faceted social services organization that helps and supports families in almost every aspect of their lives. It’s quite inspiring to see the Center in action, and you’ll want to return once you’ve lent a hand and “felt the love”.
What’s your favorite part of volunteering?
We really enjoy meeting the people who come to the meals and hearing their personal stories. One young man was so immersed in a fiction novel during his meal that he apologized for not being more sociable — he just needed to finish that book! In addition to forming relationships, we’re touched when the diners tell us they can’t believe we’d give up our holiday tradition for them (we tell them they are our tradition!). The majority of folks say "Thank you!” and/or "God bless you!" as they graciously receive their meal.
What does volunteering mean to your family and the tradition you’ve created?
It means a great deal that we’re able to share a special moment and a meal with people who might not otherwise have had one that day. Putting your heart into the tasks makes it easy to embrace a holiday tradition of volunteering.
Through our experiences at The Salvation Army, we have come to realize in a very tangible way that the true spirit of the holiday season lies not just in giving presents, but in giving thanks for family, friends, and a warm roof over our heads.
Inspired to volunteer this holiday season? Contact The Salvation Army closest to you, or call 773-205-3516 or email us.