Sen. Kissel Helps Serve Thanksgiving meal at Enfield loaves and Fishes (Journal Inquirer)

Article as it appeared in the Journal Inquirer

ENFIELD — Frances Spring walked a block and a half from her home in the Thompsonville section of town during the season’s first snowstorm Wednesday so members of her family could enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal at Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen.

Though the weather kept some people at home, Loaves and Fishes served about 100 guests who came to the former St. Andrew’s Church at 28 Prospect St.

This is the 26th year volunteers have been serving up turkey along with all the fixings to anyone who wants to come in for dinner.

Spring, who said she has been unemployed for a year, came with one of her children and other family to enjoy a turkey dinner. She said she lost her job at Dunkin’ Donuts after working there for seven years and is now struggling to make ends meet.

“This year has been the hardest,” said Spring, who said she has six kids.

Spring thanked Priscilla Brayson, the director of Loaves and Fishes, for coordinating the feast each year.

“She helps so many people and she helps my family tremendously,” Spring said. “It’s a very big help.”

Brayson said members of the Lincoln Culinary Institute prepared 40 turkeys for the event. She raved about the gravy, which she said looked like “melted ice cream” and was “to die for.”

About 20 volunteers helped dish out the food, including Rep. David Kiner, D-Enfield, Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, and Mayor Scott Kaupin.

“People got their fill and more,” said Kaupin, who has been volunteering for the past five or six years. “Some folks took to-go boxes home for neighbors that are shut in. It was a very festive atmosphere.”

Loaves and Fishes Board of Trustees member Joann Clark said everyone “trooped it out” during the snow.

Penny Sorrells, who came with her great-granddaughter and grandson, said her meal was “lovely.”

“I’m happy to spread a little happiness,” said Brayson.

She also said the use of food kitchens has been on the increase recently.

As for the weather, the only other time she remembers snow being a problem for the dinner was at Christmas.

“I won’t close,” she said. “There are people that are hungry out there and if I’m not open, they don’t eat.”