Volunteers across Reading and Berks County came together on November 27, 2025, to serve hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Local organizations, businesses, and community members stepped up to ensure that families who might otherwise go without a holiday meal received food and support.
One of the highlights of the day involved the Reading High School basketball team, who sponsored a meal at the Marvel Ranch. Under the leadership of coaches Lenny Stinson and Shawn Stankiewicz, the event aimed to engage the players with the community while teaching them the importance of service. “It gives them the chance to grow. It gives them the chance to learn,” Stinson explained.
The initiative began when Stankiewicz and Marvel Ranch owner Cheryl Burton brainstormed ways to involve the players more in local outreach. “It’s just exploded into something big,” he noted. On the day before Thanksgiving, players and volunteers worked together to prepare and package 150 meals, which were distributed to those in need.
The basketball team began serving at 7:40 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, and the meals were gone within an hour. Sophomore Cameron Jones, who returned to volunteer this year, expressed his motivation: “I volunteer just to see people with smiles on their faces eating and having a good time.” Freshman Andry Richardson, participating for the first time, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It makes me happy to see people smile when they get a free meal.”
The team’s commitment to community service extends beyond the holiday season, with organized cleanups and other initiatives throughout the year. Senior Khaliq Weaver reflected on his experience, saying, “I just fell in love with it” after being introduced to community service by his coaches.
Support for the Thanksgiving meal effort came from many sources, including the Reading High Squires Club, which helped gather donations of pies, cornbread, and vegetables. Club president Wendy Boyd emphasized the joy of watching the young athletes develop into compassionate individuals, stating, “Watching them grow, watching them become good people — it’s awesome.”
This event was just one of several Thanksgiving meals organized by various local groups and churches in the area. Organizations such as Holy Trinity Church of God, Kennedy House, Fat Boyz Pizzeria, and others also provided meals for the community. At Holy Trinity, volunteers prepared over 550 meals for delivery and takeout, with longtime volunteer William Lockhart Sr. affirming, “We turn no one away.” Lockhart and his wife, Tammy, have been involved in this outreach since its inception in 1991.
The Lockharts, alongside hundreds of volunteers, dedicated their Thanksgiving to cooking and delivering meals. “It’s just in thankfulness,” Tammy remarked, emphasizing the spirit of giving during the holiday season. For those relying on services like Meals on Wheels, the church, along with the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors, provided essential support. Volunteers cooked and delivered meals to homebound residents, ensuring that everyone received a warm Thanksgiving dinner.
While many organizations shifted to takeout services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy House served a sit-down meal for over 120 people. Organizers Michael Knoll and Diane Lindy, who have volunteered for more than two decades, noted the importance of connecting with the community. “I love seeing the people, but I hate seeing the same people,” Lindy shared, expressing her wish for a future where fewer individuals require assistance.
As Thanksgiving meals were distributed across Reading and Berks County, the sense of community and generosity was palpable. The collaborative effort showcased the power of local engagement, with people from various backgrounds coming together to make a difference for those in need.
