(By Mark Sommer | News Staff Reporter) Dozens of people began eating shortly after the doors of St. Adalbert Church, in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, opened at 10 a.m.
The occasion was the Response to Love’s 30th annual Thanksgiving meal.
“There will be 200 to 300 people eating here, and it’s a gift for us because we really want to be available for people,” said Sister Mary Johnice, a Felician nun who was beaming while cradling 1-month-old Demaryius in her arms as the baby’s mother ate.
“There are people from the suburbs, and people from the city who all wanted to be here,” she said. “It’s a joyful, joyful day.”
The food was dished up by 10 volunteers, assembly-line style. “And it’s served with l-o-v-e,” said meterologist Kevin O’Connell, standing in the middle of the group.
A second serving area was set up for children and people wanting seconds, while Skittles the Clown entertained kids at the other end of the room. Nearby was a table with servings of pumpkin and apple pie, and homemade holiday cookies baked by Elaine O’Connell of Elma.
