
Volunteers and staff prepare Thanksgiving dinners
On Nov. 27th, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) hosted a Thanksgiving Luncheon for youth, families and seniors at ACRS’ main office. Over 250 individuals attended, including many who had no other place to celebrate the holiday. A full Thanksgiving meal, as well as a range of Asian foods, was served by fifteen volunteers and staff.
“By immersing ourselves in service to others, today’s fusion of traditional Thanksgiving turkey served alongside Asian foods is an example of our great country’’s long history with blended cultures,” explains ACRS Board Member Debadutta Dash. “At times like these, the beauty is in embracing the cultures and traditions of our new home while maintaining respect and honor for those of our homelands. Today’s food and those that came to either enjoy a hot meal or serve a hot meal reflect the true beauty of our blended American community.”
Victor Loo, Director of Recovery Services, organized ACRS staff, their families and friends to host this event.
“We are responding to a need we saw in the community for culturally diverse holiday events,” said Loo. “ACRS was again happy to serve so many on Thanksgiving. It feels wonderful to know that we gave people a hot meal and a warm place to go on the holiday.”
This was the eighth year that organizers held the Thanksgiving Luncheon. It was free and all were welcome. (end)