Thanksgiving A Time For Family And Friends

First responders got an opportunity to share a Thanksgiving dinner.
Our thanks to them for being there, even on the holidays.
Food made possible with generous donations from Hy-Vee, Fareway Food Stores, and Grate Expectations Catering & Cafe.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – People gathered together on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.

We asked readers to share their thoughts about Thanksgiving.

Kathie Ferree said, “I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful life, especially a wonderful family!”

Larry L. Doub added, “I’m blessed to just be here still; and thankful for the family I have, who took me in when I had nothing and nowhere to go; and for my grandmother’s stuffing which I make to this day. I just wish she and my mother were still here, the holidays are not the same anymore without them.”

Joyce Hugen added, “I am thankful for every day the Lord grants me. When life gets tough, I just look around, and I see many people who have it much worse. I am thankful for our large family, those who are gathering with us this year, and those who have passed but who left us with so many smiles. I am blessed and very thankful.”

At the Mahaska County Law Center, first responders gathered to share a meal together while they were away from their families.

Area businesses helped to make the meal possible, with food or monetary donations from Fareway, Hy Vee, and Grate Expectations.

That type of generosity isn’t unusual, as Mahaska Drug provides meals to those in the women’s shelter, who are going through a tough transition in life.

Dana K. Hols wrapped up the thoughts about Thanksgiving. “I would like to see the holiday of Thanksgiving reclaimed as the time for friends and family to share good food and fun instead of being another special shopping day.”