WILMINGTON, N.C. — Many people spend Thanksgiving with their family, friends and loved ones, sharing what they’re thankful for over a delicious meal. But, not everyone gets that experience.
That’s why organizers with The Healing Place of New Hanover County decided to host its first ever Thanksgiving event.
What You Need To Know
- The Healing Place of New Hanover County opened in 2023
- It hosted its first community Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday
- The center made 800 servings of dinner
- Second helpings were available, as 400 to 500 guests were expected
The Healing Place is a center for people recovering from addiction. This Thanksgiving, it’s also a place where the community can come together, and have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
Dylan Andrews, the food service and dietary coordinator for The Healing Place, suggested the idea, and says anyone is welcome.
“There’s a lot of people that we can’t serve on a daily basis,” Andrews said. “So, I think this is a great opportunity to help those out.”
For clients like Brandon Craig, who hasn’t spent a Thanksgiving with his family in 10 years, this special dinner means everything. This year, being able to eat with people who know what he’s going through is something he’s thankful for.
“I’m very humbled because I was eating on the streets for three years, didn’t have anything, nobody, no nothing,” Craig said. “And now I have clothes on my back, a place to eat today, this food is so good.”
This Thanksgiving, he said he’s most grateful for his sobriety, something that The Healing Place has helped him achieve.
“I feel a lot better,” Craig said. “And I’m starting to get my thinking back. I’m starting to eat better. I’m sleeping better.”
Andrews said that’s what this community meal is all about.
“It’s community,” Andrews said. “It’s about love, passion, sharing and gratitude.”
For Andrews, the most rewarding part of it all is knowing that his community is feeling love, gratitude and, of course, the fullness of a satisfying meal.
“For me, it means a lot just to be able to give to people because I know I’ve been in situations where I know I didn’t have very much,” Andrews said. “It just helps me feel better about being a human, just being a part of anything, really.”
The Healing Place of New Hanover County opened earlier this year. They hope to host another Thanksgiving dinner again next year.
