Holiday season brings volunteer spirit

During the holiday months, the need for volunteers around Bloomington grows. Local organizations, like Middle Way House and Community Kitchen, sponsor Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate. Gene and Linda Kelley witnessed firsthand how much homeless people need care and compassion during the holidays. \nGene Kelley says he knew he needed to do something to help the less fortunate when he saw a stray dog receive better treatment than a human being.\nAt a rest stop in California, Gene watched as a homeless man wandered through a crowd, asking for food. Onlookers laughed at the homeless man, but Gene gave him a sandwich.\nA few minutes later, a stray dog approached the crowd, and people showed more affection and love toward the animal than the man.\n"Gene realized that a lot of people were not compassionate to others," said Linda Kelley, of her late husband.\nWith this in mind, the Kelleys created Backstreet Missions in Bloomington.\nBy providing low-cost alternatives for clothing and appliances, the mission is focused on helping the homeless. During November, the mission prepares over 700 Thanksgiving baskets, filled with Thanksgiving foods including turkey, stuffing, yams and sweet bread. Since the organization does not receive any federal funding, it relies solely on volunteers.\n"It's a good time of year when people respond to need," Kelley said. "Bloomington is very responsive, caring and generous."\nThe Bloomington Boys & Girls Club is also pitching in to give less fortunate Bloomington residents a happy Thanksgiving.\nFor the fifth year, the Boys & Girls Club has held its traditional Thanksgiving meal. The event was sponsored by Bloomington Sunrise Rotary and Terry's Banquet and Catering Center. More than 200 people attended the dinner Nov. 10.\n"It's the biggest event of the year," said Sarah Ward, unit director of the Boys & Girls Club. "Families are able to come together for such a happy occasion."\nAround Bloomington, many organizations have planned Thanksgiving dinners for people who would otherwise not celebrate the holiday.\nThe Shalom Center has organized a Thanksgiving celebration to benefit local residents. \nServing quiche, scrambled eggs and muffins, the center is organizing a Thanksgiving brunch from 8 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers help organize food, take inventory, create flower arrangements and talk with guests. One hundred people are expected to attend the event at the center, 111 S Grant St.\n"No one should go hungry," said Donna Jaques, executive director of the Shalom Center. "The brunch gives people someplace to be. Shalom is a blessing. It's a unique sense of community. Thanksgiving brunch is a festive and joyous atmosphere."\nThe Community Kitchen, 917 S. Rogers St., is also sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner. More than 500 people are expected to attend. The dinner will feature Kilroy's Sports Bar's smoked turkey. The organization relies on more than 50 volunteers that are expected to help prepare and serve the meal.\nCommunity Kitchen Assistant Director Tim Clougher said the experience of helping people during the holidays is one of the greatest gifts people can give and receive during this time.\n"The most rewarding aspect is seeing the awareness spread about hunger," Clougher said. \nFor 30 years, Middle Way House, 404 W. Fifth St., a shelter for abused women, has served an untraditional Thanksgiving dinner for women and their children. Middle Way's approach to reaching out is different from traditional shelters. At Middle Way House the women cook a traditional meal together, as a group.\nMiddle Way House case worker Liz Kirkland said asking women and children to help cook the Thanksgiving meal together is a way for everyone to stay involved and have a hand in the creation of the meal.\n"The holiday season is a difficult time," Kirkland said. "They have to celebrate and get a sense of normalcy."\n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.