'The food was great' Helena groups serve up Thanksgiving meals to the community
Bob and Susan Schlack sat at a table inside The Salvation Army gymnasium on Thursday, a stone’s throw from large mounds of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie and other holiday trimmings.
“Our family is all out of town or at other places,” Susan Schlack said. “So we decided not to eat alone.”
When asked how the food was, the cordial Helena couple was more than eager to offer a review worthy of a Michelin-star restaurant.
“The food was great,” they said, almost in unison.
The Schlacks were among those who took The Salvation Army up on its invitation to the community Thursday for a free holiday meal.
Maj. Brian West of the Helena corps described the turnout as "amazing," noting during the interview they still had some time to go and estimated they would serve at least 170 people.
They had 14 turkeys ready to serve.
West, who said it took two full days to prepare the meal, said many of the people who came in were from group homes or came in as a family. He said one of the senior couples told him that it was the "best holiday meal, hands down."
The First Presbyterian Church was also featuring a community Thanksgiving meal later in the day, offered as a holiday gift to the people of Helena. This was the first return to the meal since 2019.
People were invited to stop in for the food and fellowship.
West, who took a break from dish washing in The Salvation Army kitchen to talk about the day, praised the 30-40 volunteers who were helping out, doling out the goodies.
“People want to have a way to help someone else,” he said. “We are just the vehicle.”
Darrin Bitters was one of those volunteers.
“The Salvation Army is my family,” the 57-year-old Bitters said. “I love these people to death. They have always helped me when I needed it and I have always given back.”
Susan Schlack said the food was not the only treat offered at the dinner, but those who sat at their table as well.
“We have met the nicest people,” she said.
Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.
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