The Mount Arrowsmith Salvation Army in Parksville held their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 6, this year, serving 192 people.
According to business manager, Bonnie Brown, that number is significantly higher than a typical day where the soup kitchen might see approximately 100 people.
Brown said volunteers spent the days leading up to Wednesday prepping a turkey dinner ‘with all the trimmings.’
“Thanksgiving dinner was a terrific success, thanks to all the volunteers who pulled it together,” she said.
They also saw $287 in donations.
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Earlier this year, Mount Arrowsmith Salvation Army received monetary and food donations from Parksville’s Thrifty Foods, the Knights of Columbus and the Church of Ascension and the Church of Latter Day Saints.
An ongoing food drive by Craig Bay Community residents will continue until Nov. 11, and there is also a planned food drive in November by the Parksville Fire Department.
The Kalvas Log House on Moilliet Street in Parksville will treat their diners to a dessert when a monetary donation is made through the restaurant to the Mount Arrowsmith Salvation Army before Oct. 31, 2021.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and our volunteers, both of whom we could not provide services in the community without,” said Brown.