By Colin Bergen
Our Big Canoe Fire Department staff take on a lot as members of the department have to be prepared to act as first responders, EMTs and road traffic controllers among other duties. It can be a difficult task – but it doesn’t need to be a thankless one.
One way residents can show their support is by participating in Thankful Thursdays, a program in which a volunteer provides either a cooked or purchased meal for the Fire Department.
The program began in 2016 as a special Thanksgiving meal delivered by Fran Holman-McKenzie. Since then, volunteers have been delivering meals to the department every Thursday.
“Thursday is one of our busier days because we have our weekly training scheduled,” said Ricky Jordan, director of Public Safety. “This program gives our officers one less thing on a hectic day to plan for.”
Thankful Thursdays has 189 volunteers, but the program is always looking for more.
If interested in joining the program, residents can either email Beverly Dean at blcdean@msn.com to receive an invitation to the Fire Department’s Meal Train page; or can go to the Meal Train website to create an account.
Meals must be substantial enough to feed 10 to 12 people. They also need to be re-heatable, as officers are often on duty at lunchtime. Favorite meals consist of an entree, side, bread and dessert. Beverages and/or appetizers are always welcomed but not required. Neither dishware nor utensils are needed. Allergy warnings and delivery instructions are listed under the “special instructions” tab on the Meal Train page. Residents can sign-up multiple times.
On their scheduled drop-off day, volunteers should arrive between 10 and 11 a.m. and leave the lunch with dispatch.
“The guys all look forward to the Thursday meals,” Ricky said in a letter to the group. “It’s much more than just a meal to them; it means someone took time out of their day to show some love to them. It’s been a blessing to our guys and gals here at the station.”
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