On Tuesday, the Serving Area Military (SAM) Center in Massillon held its much-anticipated annual Thanksgiving food drive-thru. This event is a significant gesture of support for local military members and their families. Hundreds of people, including veterans like Christine Cameron from Plain Township and Mac Luttrell from Perry Township, came to receive assistance. Cameron, an Air Force veteran who served from 1983 to 1987, expressed her gratitude, saying, "It's so nice they do this. It really helps out a lot."

An Abundance of Food and Community Support

At the drive-thru, about five-dozen volunteers worked tirelessly to fill hundreds of vehicles with a cart full of food. The nonprofit organization's 10th annual Thanksgiving dinner drive-thru giveaway benefited nearly 500 Stark County residents with military ties. Each meal bag totaled close to 80 pounds and was worth about $100, including a 10- to 14-pound turkey, potatoes, ham, donuts, fruit, vegetables, and pumpkin pie. This year, an additional bonus was a $10 gift card for other items.The local veteran volunteers and those from Marathon Petroleum, Walsh University, Arrow Passage Recovery, and Enbridge energy company played a crucial role by directing motorists and loading food bags and vehicles. Lucia Cirese, the executive director of the SAM Center, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "This (giveaway) is to help lift our veterans in need during tough times. We're so very blessed to be so supported by our community (and volunteers)."

Businesses' Contributions to the Cause

Thanksgiving on a budget is a concern for many, but local businesses came to the rescue. Costco, Sam's Club, First Energy, RealTruck, Aldi, Fresh Mark, Walmart, Gardner Pie Co., and Giant Eagle all contributed food donations or provided services. Their support helped make the Thanksgiving food drive-thru a success.

Regular Assistance Provided by the SAM Center

The SAM Center, located at 413 Lincoln Way E in Massillon, is not just a one-time event. It regularly supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their widows with a food pantry, offering food pickup opportunities twice per month. Additionally, the group distributes a Christmas tree to those with military ties prior to the holiday. This year's tree availability is scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Massillon SAM Center.The SAM Center's work is a testament to the community's commitment to helping those who have served. It provides a much-needed lifeline during tough times and shows that the military community is not forgotten. Through their efforts, they ensure that veterans and their families have a little extra to be thankful for during the holiday season.