Cheryl McBratney gets a big smile on her face when she talks about Cherokee Thanksgiving.
Although this is the 19th year she has volunteered her time as Cherokee Thanksgiving coordinator to make sure everyone in need in Cherokee County gets a Thanksgiving meal, McBratney said the camaraderie and joy of helping others is still what makes the holiday a time of thanks for her.
“I think for a lot of us who volunteer, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. I started out doing it to honor my mom, because Thanksgiving was always her favorite holiday, and now that it is just my son and I, this group of volunteers is a part of my Thanksgiving family,” McBratney said of the event begun in 1992. “I wish that everyone could come participate and feel how rewarding it is.”
This year, the need is greater than ever, and Cherokee Thanksgiving, a massive local volunteer effort funded by donations, is hoping to be able to provide a record 3,000 meals this holiday as the event marks its 32nd anniversary serving the community.