A bird’s eye view of the annual Thanksgiving banquet at Deer Park High School, featuring rows of tables filled with thankful participants enjoying a meal and connecting with both new and old acquaintances.
Deer Park begins the holiday season with two heartfelt traditions highlighting the community’s spirit of giving. A welcoming Thanksgiving banquet and the distribution of meal kits ensure neighbors can come together and enjoy the season’s warmth.
Deer Park residents have begun the 2024 holiday season with two beloved Thanksgiving events that exemplify the town’s sense of community and generosity. Christ’s Church of Deer Park held its annual Thanksgiving banquet at Deer Park High School, offering attendees a free, home-cooked holiday meal. Later in the month, the Deer Park GreenHouse served as a distribution point for Tom’s Turkey Drive, supplying families with the ingredients to create their own Thanksgiving feasts.
The Thanksgiving banquet was held on November 23rd. It welcomed guests to the high school to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. This event started in 2002 with Loon Lake café owner Leona Sargent and has grown to serve over 800 meals annually. It continues to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the community to come together and share a meal, fostering a deep sense of inclusion and gratitude.
The Deer Park GreenHouse, located at 125 N. Park Avenue, hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution event on November 26th, providing holiday meal kits to 250 families. Pre-registered participants received complete meal packages, including a turkey and traditional side dishes, ensuring a festive dinner at home. Volunteers, including representatives from Miss Deer Park, assisted with the distribution. The event was part of Toms Turkey Drive, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Established in 1999 by former Spokane meteorologist Tom Sherry, the initiative has become an established tradition of holiday giving in the Spokane region, delivering thousands of meals to families each Thanksgiving and continuing its mission of spreading kindness and generosity.
