More than 70 local families enjoyed a free traditional Thanksgiving meal, along with groceries and other treats thanks to the dedication of Karissa Gabel, a student in Southwest Tech’s University Transfer – Liberal Arts program, which is offered in partnership with Nicolet College.
Gabel, from Cuba City, organized the first free Thanksgiving meal event last year for families in her hometown. There were 53 families that were impacted. This year, 74 families signed up, including a few in Platteville. Gabel and her family members deliver each meal on Thanksgiving evening. Because of the large amount of food items, Gabel outgrew space in her home this year and utilized the Cuba City VFW, as well. Family members, friends and people from the community assisted in the preparation of the meals and the groceries.
The motivation for the idea was ignited as part of a class project. Donations came from Cuba City and surrounding businesses, as well as churches, family members and friends.
Gabel said, “last year, a lot of the families were not able to go anywhere because of COVID, so a lot of them spent Thanksgiving alone. So, when we delivered to them we tried to stay a little bit and talk to them and let them know we cared about them.”
In the future, Gabel is hoping to host a free in-person Thanksgiving meal for those in the community.
*information provided by Southwest Tech Marketing and PR Specialist Dan Wackershauser*
