Local woman spearheads holiday meal

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Tia Daniels didn’t want anyone to be alone on Thanksgiving Day.

So what started as an idea to have a few folks over to her home has mushroomed into a community-wide effort to share food and fellowship this holiday.

“Thanksgiving is about giving and getting together. Some people don’t have families here or the money, or maybe a student. Everyone deserves a chance to spend Thanksgiving with someone,” Daniels said.

Daniels used social media to spread the word.

“I went on the ‘You Know You’re From Delaware, Oh When’ Facebook page and also on my page to ask for donations,” she said.

People responded quickly to her initial posting last Friday: “Will anyone be alone this Thanksgiving? If so and you don’t want to comment, send me a message. I got you!”

“At first I just was thinking of something small here with just the three of us. But that grew into something huge within two days,” Daniels said.

The menu may include turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, deviled eggs, ham, corn, rolls, whipped cranberry dessert, applescotch pie and more, depending on what is prepared and brought.

Daniels’ fiance Jesse Mann had a friend who reached out for a venue. As a result the meal will be held at New Hope Baptist Church’s community room from 3 to 7 p.m. The church is located at 23 N. Union St., Delaware.

“This is about more than just me. So many people are coming together and the food is coming in. One lady said she’d like to do games,” Daniels said. “I would like this to be warm and welcoming and fun.”

Lee Baughman is helping with the preparations and she credits Daniels for her efforts in organizing the meal.

“She’s doing this out of the goodness of her heart,” Baughman said.

Getting to the church is a challenge for some.

“I just spoke to a woman … her and her husband. We are arranging transportation to get them there,” Daniels said.

She encouraged those coming to bring decorations “to make it look and feel homey.”

The outpouring has touched Daniels.

“It’s awesome and heartwarming. I’m very happy to see Delaware respond as a community.”

Anthony Conchel

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