Boys, Girls Clubs Celebrate Thanksgiving

Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside

The Club’s Mentone site held its 15th annual Thanksgiving feast and Turkey Bowl Nov. 19. The meal included homemade turkey rice soup, salads and cornbread. Ingredients for each item were assigned to a Club member to bring. Table decorations were made by members during art time, and the Junior Torch Club leadership and service group helped set up and serve the meal.

“I think this is the biggest group of kids we’ve had at the Thanksgiving feast in a long time,” Mentone site director Jo Bohlman told Club members. “Thank everyone who helped, because everyone made something on their plate.”

After the meal, 30 kids played in the Turkey Bowl touch football game. The rest of the Club cheered on the two teams, which practiced in the weeks leading up to the game.

On Nov. 20, the Club’s San Bernardino site hosted a Thanksgiving meal for members and their families. Club staff also honored Cal State San Bernardino volunteers – who donated the food -- for their service at the site. Students have volunteered there since 2007. The Club also recognized Member of the Month Isaac Delgado.

Also on Nov. 20, the Club’s Moreno Valley site served a Thanksgiving meal to members, made from items donated by parents. Club members made a “thankful tree”, writing what they’re thankful for on hand tracings. Club staff have also been passing out turkeys to parents this week that were donated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Other Club celebrations included a meal, contests and games at the Riverside site.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside has been serving the Inland Empire since 1967, and has sites in Alta Loma, Corona, Loma Linda, Mentone, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Victorville. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information, go to www.BeGreatIE.org