• Leon Ferraez III

A Holiday Away from Home: Sarasota Operation Celebrates Canadian Thanksgiving

Sarasota, FL (October 18, 2024) - In times of disaster, it can be difficult to see past the destruction, pain, and trauma wrought by a storm’s indiscriminate devastation. Yet these trying times also present an opportunity for unity –where neighbors come together to help one another.

While out at a feeding site, Salvation Army disaster worker Trina Lowrey had a conversation with a survivor. The woman recounted how her neighborhood had been plagued with unrest for years. Yet when the storm hit, it seemed to flip a switch. People banded together to help rebuild and recover.

Stories like this are not uncommon in disasters. Daily, Salvation Army crews report back to base camp with tales of community resilience. For instance, Julia and Chaybon who were stationed outside a FEMA assistance center, had people driving up to their canteen asking for extra meals to take back to those unable to leave their homes.

However, stories of resilience are not just seen in disaster survivors. They can be seen in those out serving as well. Members of The Salvation Army from Canada traveled thousands of miles to help survivors affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, leaving behind friends, families, and their everyday lives. Accentuating this sacrifice, their deployment meant missing the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday which occurs on the second Monday of October each year. It is a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the blessings of the fall harvest. Missing such cherished traditions for a worthy cause can still be challenging.

Yet, just as disaster survivors come along side one another in challenging times, The “American” Salvation Army crew wanted to do the same for their dedicated Canadian teammates. While crews were out serving hot meals on October 14th, the Incident Management Team began preparing a hot meal of their own. Soon the base camp was filled with classic Thanksgiving aromas; turkey roasting in the oven, gravy simmering on the stove, buttery mashed potatoes, and a boiling pot of green beans.

Although it wasn’t a perfect recreation of the Canadian holiday, the surprise Thanksgiving dinner brought a smile to everyone’s face. For a moment the warmth of home was brought to base camp. Crews from Canada and the U.S. sat down together to celebrate friends, family, and the joy of serving others. It was a time of unity, laughter, and maybe just a few tears.

This is why The Salvation Army serves hot meals. Hot meals provide survivors and disaster workers alike a taste of home, a glimpse of comfort, and a feeling of hope – the hope of brighter days ahead.