The dinner has been put on by the MHA for about four years now, beginning shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, said Mike Nordin, Mental Health Association executive director. Nordin said the inspiration for this dinner came from the monthly luncheons that the group currently hosts. These monthly meals are called the recovery lunch, and allow residents to come in for a nice meal and discuss where they are along the journey of recovery. Due to the positive community reception of these events, Nordin said that the organization became inspired to plan some sort of event around Thanksgiving.

“A lot of people, they won’t necessarily get a Thanksgiving dinner. And so we want to help provide that, because it might be the only one they get,” said Nordin.

Nordin mentioned that much of the food for the luncheons is typically supplied by about five local churches, such as St. Luke’s Espicopal Church sponsoring the dinner for December. The organization also hosts a barbecue picnic each July and has had the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office sponsor a dinner before as well, according to Nordin. Nordin did note that the Thanksgiving dinner was made possible through the generosity of one resident. Bonnie Weber, owner of the group Be The Change You Want To See In Jamestown, supplied all of the food that was present at the dinner, said Nordin. Not only that, Nordin noted that Weber has supplied nearly all of the food for the dinner for multiple years now. Nordin even noted the new inclusion of some pies and deserts this year. Nordin stated that thanks to the kindness of individuals such as Weber, numerous people were able to enjoy a feast that they otherwise would likely not have had.

While Nordin stated that the MHA appears to be serving about the same number of people, he said it felt like the Thanksgiving dinner did have a higher attendance this year than in years past. While Nordin typically anticipates about 40 to 60 attendants at the event, this year had about 70 to 75 people. While Nordin expressed uncertainty about what may have caused this increase, it may be due to the worsening weather or recent uncertainty around benefits.

The MHA is always willing to accept more donations from people, said Nordin. Whether that is a donation of time, food, or money all contributions allow the organization to provide to more people, said Nordin. Nordin specifically mentioned that the organization is especially in search of warm clothing, due the the winter season quickly approaching.

“Because of winter coming, we’re trying to get a lot more gloves, hats, scarves, the little hand warmers, anything like that,” said Nordin. “And we try to work with other organizations. If they need socks, and they have something that we need, they might give us something and we’ll give them socks.”

Any individuals interested in contributing to the MHA, or interested in attending the next luncheon on Dec. 16, is encouraged to reach out to the organization. For more information contact 716-661-9044.