The Red Hill Fire Company is making Thanksgiving a little brighter for residents in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. For the last 5 years, the company has served

Officers of the Red Hill Fire Co. social hall have stocked their free- zer with turkeys for this year's Thanksgiving meal.  Left to right,  Keith Croissette, social club manager, Maryann Longo, president,  and Pete Stoeckel, treasurer.

a delectable holiday meal for members of our local community.

            A few years ago, the fire company was looking for a way to give back to the community as well as benefit the company. A community Thanksgiving meal seemed like a good start.

            The event has gradually grown over the years. "The first several years we barely had anyone come, but we kept getting the word out there and last year we had over 50 people from the community come and share a meal and fellowship," said Maryann Longo President of the Red Hill Fire Company.

            In the beginning, food donations were provided solely by the social club members. Last year members of the community donated desserts, rolls and other necessities for the dinner. There is a core of 15-20 people that help with the event. Volunteers wrap silverware, prepare the social hall, prep food and assist with the chore of clean up.

            The night before, members prepare the majority of food and cook the turkeys.

Nancee Kane stands by the box used to collect  coats, blankets, and new socks for Angels Sharing the Warmth.

The volunteer work day usually ends about midnight and begins at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day to finalize the preparations. The members have become finely tuned in this endeavor. They begin planning in Mid-October and begin collecting donations and informing the community about the upcoming event.

            The home cooked meal consists of turkey, stuffing, potato filling, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, cooked carrots and green beans, corn, rolls and butter. In addition, the meal is complete with desserts and assorted beverages.

            The social club has a special message for the community: "If you are alone for the holiday season, family is miles away, or you are suffering from financial hardship and cannot afford a Thanksgiving Dinner, we would like to extend an invitation for you to come and share a meal with our members. Please join us for a meal, and share laughs and fellowship with us," said Maryann.

            The day of the Thanksgiving Dinner, the fire company social club will also be collecting coats, blankets and new socks for Angels Sharing the Warmth. They are a Montgomery County organization that collects these items and provides meals for those in need. Nancee Cane is a representative for the organization and will be assisting with the collection during the Thanksgiving Day meal.

            Dinner will be served on Thanksgiving Day from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Red Hill Fire Company Social Hall, 85 E. Fifth St. in the borough. If there are any Red Hill residents that are unable to leave their home due to illness, members will deliver the meal. Call the fire company to inform the members of the number of people attending. In order to ensure there is enough food for everyone, extra meals cannot be taken to go.

            The number for the Social Club is 215-679-9840. Nancee Cane will be there after 12 p.m. to take calls and provide additional information.

            Thanksgiving is a good day to remember to practice gratitude and small acts of kindness that collectively spread joy far and wide. The Upper Perkiomen Valley is full of love and fellowship.

            The Thanksgiving Day Dinner provided by the Red Hill Fire Company is an excellent example of good deeds in our community.