The volunteers who served meals to those in need on Thanksgiving at St. Susan Center. Around 25 people volunteered during the holiday. P-J photos by Dennis Phillips

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving,” is a notable quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta and certainly captures the spirit of the St. Susan Center’s staff and volunteers who gave their time to help those less fortunate than themselves on Thanksgiving.

A feast of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, salad, rolls and dessert was served from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving at St. Susan Center by staff members and around 25 volunteers. Jeff Smith, St. Susan Center executive director, said they wouldn’t be able to provide meals to those in need without volunteers on Thanksgiving or any of the 361 days the nonprofit organization is open, which also includes Christmas and Easter.

“I want to thank the community, who is always there to support us and help those in need,” Smith said. “It truly is a blessing that they are here.”

Smith said St. Susan Center has around 200 volunteers, with about 75 who volunteer on a weekly basis. He said this time of the year, prior to the Thanksgiving and with the Christmas season close behind, center officials start to receive more inquiries from people who want to volunteer.

“This time of the year, we get phone calls not from our regular volunteers, but from others who want to help. They get bitten by the St. Susan Center bug,” Smith said.

Renne Wolfe, St. Susan Center kitchen manager, said, prior to providing meals, that they were prepared to serve more than 200 meals on Thanksgiving.

“It is nice for people to be able to come here if they don’t have a family,” she said.

Smith said it is an honor to be able to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy a meal with others on Thanksgiving.

“It is important because so many folks need a place to go,” he said. “I’m happy to be able to assist in providing a hot meal to people in need today, and every day.”

The center has provided more than 2.3 million meals since opening Feb. 1, 1984, Smith said. Located at the Gateway Center at 31 Water St., Suite 130, in Jamestown, meal service at St. Susan Center is Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12-2 p.m.

People can give to St. Susan by visiting their website, stsusancenter.org, or by calling 664-2253.