Families know there’s nothing quite like being part of a whirlwind in a holiday kitchen or among a lively group of friends and loved ones at a festive table.
The same is true within the Plymouth family. A series of warm, hearty and vibrant meals in November and December brought Plymouth residents, staff and volunteers together in very special ways to celebrate the season, enjoy each other, and honor the generosity of Plymouth’s supporters.
See photos from these wonderful events here.
A meal in honor of Veterans Day paid special tribute to the many Plymouth residents who are veterans of military service (including 40 percent of the residents of the Langdon & Anne Simons Senior Apartments and 50 percent of the residents of the Pat Williams Apartments!) It was a great honor for staff and community volunteers to recognize their service.
Plymouth’s Native residents hosted a remarkable Native Celebration Dinner in November. Guests were nourished physically and spiritually by a traditional meal of venison, salmon, fry bread, squash and wild rice and by the inspiring words of Native storyteller Roger Fernandes. The event had a wonderful energy, and was a fitting way to acknowledge and honor Plymouth’s Native tenants.
At the end of November, more than 700 Plymouth residents gathered for Thanksgiving. Each of Plymouth’s 13 buildings hosted its own meal. The meals were home-cooked and served with joy by more than 150 talented and generous community volunteers. The folks donated:
56 big turkeys; 24 hams; 91 irresistible pies; 59 abundant trays of mashed potatoes; 60 vibrant trays of sweet potatoes (with marshmallows!); 55 huge green bean casseroles; 59 giant pans of the ultimate comfort food: stuffing!; 60 colorful fresh salads that were almost too pretty to eat; a mountain of fresh soft rolls; gallons of rich savory gravy; and an array of ciders, juices and sodas!
If the logistics sound impressive (and they were), the benefits were even more so. Each community room and kitchen was a beehive of activity and each one loud with laughter. Hugs, smiles and stories were everywhere.
Plymouth resident Daryn said, “I just can’t believe how kind people are. They take time to make all of this delicious food and so many spend their Thanksgiving meal here with us. We want all of them to know how grateful we are for the fact that they care so much. Please tell everyone:
Thank You So Much.”
And in preparation for the December Holiday Party, community volunteers donated two THOUSAND cookies, making it possible for each Plymouth resident to receive a bag of sweet, homemade Holiday goodness.