I began volunteering at the Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC 18 years ago by serving on the buffet line. Every year I would show up, get my t-shirt and serve on the line.  As time went on I began to learn more and more about how the intricate operation worked.  Then one day I took it upon myself to go to the kitchen to get a refill for one of the chaffing dishes on the line and found myself in the elevator with one of the organizers of the event, Jack Teske, and it changed all my future Thanksgivings to come.

He said that he had observed that I show up every year and not only served on the line but was willing to pick up the slack with whatever else needed to be done.  That's just me, I"m not happy unless I'm doing something behind the scenes at an event.  So, when Jack asked if I would like to get more involved and sit on the Thanksgiving Day Buffet Committee I was not only honored but accepted with excitement.

I learned that the event is even more amazing than one sees from the outside.  Get a load of these stats, it takes about 1,000 volunteers to plan, organize and execute a Thanksgiving meal that serves 5,000 people.  Some eat at the DECC, some are delivered meals at their homes and still others are served at one of the satellites in neighboring communities of Superior, Two Harbors, Cloquet and Carlton.  It's mind boggling!  I nervously agreed to Chair the event one year, but honestly the volunteers and committee are a fine oiled machine and while I provided guidance, things went smoothly due to the diligence of organizers and volunteers from previous years.

After Chairing the event, I soon took on the position of Team Lead in the Volunteer Check-In Room and that is where I now spend hours on my Thanksgivings to this day.  It's a perfect place to be and connect with many friends and community members that graciously give some of their time on Thanksgiving Day.  It gives me the chance to thank many (not all, but as many as I possibly can) for their time, efforts and compassion.

Interested in joining us this year?  All volunteers for the event sign up through a computer link that will explain the volunteer positions and time frames that are available and will allow you to print the confirmation you need to bring to the Volunteer Check-In table.

Photo Credit Laura Plys
Photo Credit Laura Plys
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