Two youth-focused organizations in Federal Way put the spirit of giving into action and provided kids with the traditional Thanksgiving feast experience.
The Boys & Girls Club hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at the Ron Sandwith Teen Center in Federal Way on Nov. 15. The event, supported by Way Scarff Ford and Morgan Stanley, fed more than 60 youth and families in the community this year, said Louie Grill, program director of the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club. A pre-Thanksgiving dinner has been a tradition at the Teen Center for seven years.
Federal Way Young Life held their annual All-City Thanksgiving dinner at Federal Way High School on Nov. 19. Dinner festivities included a testimony by Billy Eakins, a rap performance from former Todd Beamer student Peabody, turkey bowling and more. The fixings of the full Thanksgiving meal were provided by more than 173 food donations and support from 70 volunteers of Young Life leaders, committee members and local friends, said Young Life area administrator Jill Davis.
Approximately 200 teens from the local high schools and Young Life community branches attended the 14th annual event at FWHS.
“It’s our biggest event of the year,” said Bryenna Marshall, a Young Life leader for the Decatur and Todd Beamer clubs. “Students and leaders look forward to this club all year. It’s an incredible chance to provide a huge meal for hundreds of students, to sit around a table like a family and really show them how much they mean to their community. It means the world to us leaders to be able to do it all to honor Jesus Christ.”
“It’s important for our local youth to be able to come together as a family and dine together, but it’s also a great opportunity for students who may not get to experience a big Thanksgiving to be able to share the experience while surrounded by people who love them,” Marshall said.
For more information on these organizations, visit positiveplace.org and federalway.younglife.org.
Federal Way Boys & Girls Club pie servers. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
The Federal Way Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving dinner served more than 60 kids and volunteers. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
Federal Way Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving dinner attendees. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
Mark Hendricks, executive director of the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club, all smiles while serving Thanksgiving dinners. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
More than 200 students, volunteers and Young Life leaders attended the All-City Thanksgiving club. Photo by Bryenna Marshall More than 200 students, volunteers and Young Life leaders attended the All-City Thanksgiving club. Photo by Bryenna Marshall
Federal Way All-City Young Life Thanksgiving club. Photo by Bryenna Marshall
Federal Way All-City Young Life Thanksgiving club. Photo by Bryenna Marshall
