Monday, January 20, 2025
St. Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church in Wantagh continued its decades-long tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 28, bringing together individuals and families for a warm meal and fellowship.
The free event welcomed everyone, whether they were facing food insecurity or simply looking for a place to celebrate the holiday.
“It’s for anyone, not just people who are lonely,” said Doreen McDonald, who has been organizing the event alongside her husband, Tom, for nearly 28 years. “Some of the people here feel like this is their family of choice on Thanksgiving. Everybody has a story, and everybody is welcome.”
The menu, catered by Delicious Moments and funded by the parish, included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables. Community members donated additional items like drinks and tablecloths, helping to create a festive atmosphere. Volunteers prepared the food, served meals, and sat with attendees to share stories and conversation.
“We’ve never been on a deficit of help, ever,” Doreen said. “There’s so many people who want to do it.”
Tom reflected on the rewarding nature of the event. “Seeing a person who might not be having a good time in their life, and for two hours they get to have a meal and make new friends—that’s what makes it special,” he said.
The McDonalds’ involvement in organizing the feast stems from their early volunteer experiences and a shared desire to give back. Before they were married, the couple boxed up leftover turkey from a Thanksgiving meal at a San Diego hotel and shared it with those in need. That gesture inspired their commitment to community service, eventually leading them to lead the church’s Thanksgiving efforts.
The feast also included prayers led by the church’s pastor, Rev. Seth Awo Doku, and associate pastor, Rev. Shaju Devassy. Afterward, Doreen played and sang "Amazing Grace" on the piano, adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration.
“It has been a wonderful parish,” said Rev. Doku. “The people here are very warm, very generous, they are caring, and this came out of their faith.”
In addition to the meal, the parish social ministry distributed 100 Thanksgiving boxes, each filled with a day’s worth of food, including a turkey. Director Ele Melendez said they plan to prepare 150 Christmas boxes with hams for families in need.
The church’s Thanksgiving tradition continues to embody the spirit of gratitude and community.
