Hundreds of local residents benefited from a generous new holiday tradition started by a local group focused on spreading cheer to others.
The Emporia Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints played host to the first annual Thanksgiving community meal organized by members of the Spread Kindness and Love Emporia Facebook group. The group was started by local resident Kelly Noller who tells KVOE News the meal exceeded all expectations, especially when you consider the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noller says as soon as they announced the meal, donations poured in from throughout the Emporia community. She says without the generosity of local residents she doubts the meal would have been as successful as it was.
A total of 16 turkeys were prepared for the day allowing the group to feed over 300 people after originally anticipating only being able to serve around 20. Noller says she is very hopeful this will become a Thanksgiving tradition in the local community for years to come.
