Most people wouldn't view Brian Hargraves' life as very traditional. But one thing he can count on each year is his Thanksgiving Day ritual.
"Probably have lunch and then wait for the Civic Center to start serving, then the homeless go through", says Brian Hargraves, regular Veteran's Thanksgiving attendee.
Hargraves is one of thousands of needy locals who won't be enjoying a hot meal and a warm place to spend a few hours of fellowship this November.
"That Thanksgiving event meant a lot to me, I don't know who I'll get to eat with this year", says Hargraves.
But at around $15 a plate to serve the hungry crowd, and a lack of funding, the Taylor County Veteran's Services simply can't justify this business decision.
"I know what my heart wants. My heart wants to make it go. But when I look at it from the business side of it, it is 'do I have the resources to do it this year?', and that's really where the decision came from", says Jimmy DeFoor, event organizer.
For years, the turkey tradition has been the highlight of the season for many, but DeFoor warns, if volunteers don't step up, it could quickly become just a memory.
"It doesn't mean that it's cancelled forever obviously, if the interest picks back up", DeFoor explains.
Hargraves doesn't know where he will be spending Thanksgiving this year, but says he hopes he can find an open spot at another dinner table nearby.
Mr. DeFoor at the Veteran's Service Office also tells us it usually costs around $15,000 to cover the event, and requires hundreds of volunteers to prepare food. Many times he has contributed his own money, but mainly relies on local businesses and volunteers, that simply weren't there this year.
"Probably have lunch and then wait for the Civic Center to start serving, then the homeless go through", says Brian Hargraves, regular Veteran's Thanksgiving attendee.
Hargraves is one of thousands of needy locals who won't be enjoying a hot meal and a warm place to spend a few hours of fellowship this November.
"That Thanksgiving event meant a lot to me, I don't know who I'll get to eat with this year", says Hargraves.
But at around $15 a plate to serve the hungry crowd, and a lack of funding, the Taylor County Veteran's Services simply can't justify this business decision.
"I know what my heart wants. My heart wants to make it go. But when I look at it from the business side of it, it is 'do I have the resources to do it this year?', and that's really where the decision came from", says Jimmy DeFoor, event organizer.
For years, the turkey tradition has been the highlight of the season for many, but DeFoor warns, if volunteers don't step up, it could quickly become just a memory.
"It doesn't mean that it's cancelled forever obviously, if the interest picks back up", DeFoor explains.
Hargraves doesn't know where he will be spending Thanksgiving this year, but says he hopes he can find an open spot at another dinner table nearby.
Mr. DeFoor at the Veteran's Service Office also tells us it usually costs around $15,000 to cover the event, and requires hundreds of volunteers to prepare food. Many times he has contributed his own money, but mainly relies on local businesses and volunteers, that simply weren't there this year.
Comments
First articals said $10,000 then $15,000. I haqppen to know several Veterans orgs have been gtiving money to the TCVSO, so Mr. DeFoor where is the money? Why did you not bring thisw up to the VFW or American Le3gion who could have helped raise the money needed?
Bob T.
November 1, 2012 at 10:30 pm
