My Thanksgiving Super Feast at the George R. Brown
- Noella Ukpe-Roberts
- Nov 25, 2016
- 6 min read
Today I served Houston area families at the 2016 Thanksgiving Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB). It was truly a remarkable experience joining approximately 5,000 volunteers, serving 20,000 people, who came to eat and obtain other services.
For the 38th year in a row, the City Wide Club of Houston ran this event. It was awe-inspiring to witness the scale and effort it takes to put on an event of this size. I was told by one of the crew members that it takes almost a year of planning to make this event run smoothly. As a volunteer, I was lucky that I only needed to focus on doing my small part. So, here's how my day went:
First, I registered online a few weeks in advance to participate as a volunteer. We were asked to select time slots - morning shift or afternoon shift. My mom and dad deferred to me, and I decided the morning shift was best because it would give me a chance to help set up and also help people in need. Because the morning shift began at 7:30 a.m., I had to wake up around 5:45 a.m. and leave our house by 6:30 a.m. We made a morning stop at What-a-Burger to eat breakfast and pack something for later, because my mom had a hunch that we would not be able to eat the food we were going to serve. I was so-so-so grateful she had such great intuition because she was right.
Nonetheless, when we arrived, we parked and made our way into the GRB. At first, I thought I was the only one there. The place seemed completely empty. However, as I made my way down the long hallway to the end of the building, hundreds of volunteers came into view. Jazz music was playing and it seemed really festive. We signed in at the volunteer station to receive our badges, dropped off food items, clothes and toys that we wanted to donate, and then immediately got to work doing whatever was needed. I began helping put out tables and chairs.
This was no easy feat as the organizer required us to align the tables both vertically and horizontally. This was done to make sure we had enough walking space between each table and also because some people we serve suffer from mental conditions that make them agitated when things are not aligned or appear chaotic, in terms of spacing.
After we put the tables and chairs out, we were able to rest for about 10 minutes. There was a volunteer station that served water, coffee and cookies.
Shortly, one of the organizers announced that 50 more people were needed to serve as greeters.
Immediately, I jumped into action and ran to the other side of the room to sign-up. About 50-70 people were already being trained on the role of greeter when I arrived.
Here's how it worked:
First, the families lined up outside and made their way into the building. Individuals and/or their entire family were escorted into the huge hall where we, volunteers, were waiting. That was supposed to begin at 10:00 a.m. but didn't actually begin until10:30 a.m.
As each individual/family was escorted in, I and other greeters were assigned to them. We approached and welcome them to the Super Feast. Next, we walked them down to other volunteers who were waiting with their trays. As we walked, we let them know that they would not be separated from their family - that their entire family would be able to eat and stay together. We also told them that volunteers would carry their trays to their tables and that drinks would be brought to their table. Also, we informed them about the many services that were being offered in the hall that they could take advantage of. For example, there were women's and men's stations that were passing out clothing and supplies. There was a play area for the kids with snow-cones and other fun things. There was a place they could receive free flu-shots, a place where men can get free hair cuts and shaves, and a place kids could receive toys. Finally, before they left, they could get a food basket to go.
Volunteers were reminded to be happy and welcoming and make the recipients feel loved. My mom and dad joined me at the greeter station and brought life to the crowd.
While we were there, Mayor Sylvester Turner, surprised us all with his attendance. I didn't get a chance to snap a photo with him, as I was roped off with the greeters - he entered via the escalators. But, it was cool to see him there. He joined the servers and the food stations and spent time with those in need.
“You can fill the potholes on the streets, but there are a lot of people that I’m seeing that have potholes in their lives,” said Mayor Turner. “Today, in a very strong way, we are filling the potholes in their lives.”
Around 12:30, my parents and I wrapped up our shift and said good-bye to fellow volunteers who made this day very special. I learned so many things today about myself and others. I learned about logistics and how much work and people it takes to put on an event of this size.
This event also made me realize that I should look for ways to give everyday, not just on these big occasions. The clothes and food we donated, were appreciated and needed by so many people. I will make a better effort to give what I no longer use away instead of wasting it.
I learned that kindness and love are remarkably easy to give. But, when people are hungry and can't meet their basic needs, smiles won't make them feel better. So, meeting people's basic needs should be what we strive to do on a daily basis.
We all may face challenges in our lives where we need to rely on others. Today, I was lucky in that I could give and still go back to a nice, warm home, to feast and enjoy my day. Serving the needy made me appreciate what I have all the more. I'm very grateful!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Photo Credits:
Photo #1 - Chasya Rodriguez, a volunteer at the 38th Annual Thanksgiving Big Super Feast, smiles as she goes through the line with a tray of food for a group of three, at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Nov. 24 in Houston. Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / © 2015 Houston Chronicle.
Photo #7 - Guests wait in line at the 36th Annual Thanksgiving Big Feast presented by the City Wide Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle.
Photo #8 - Bonita Singh waits in line at the 36th Annual Thanksgiving Big Feast presented by the City Wide Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle.
Photo #9 - Getty Images / About Travel
Photo #10 - Maria Elena Alvarez enjoys a meal at the 36th Annual Thanksgiving Big Feast presented by the City Wide Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle
Photo #11 - John Vaughn, who stays in the Third Ward neighborhood, gets a haircut at the 38th Annual Thanksgiving Big Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Nov. 24 in Houston. Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / © 2015 Houston Chronicle.
Photo #12 - Walgreens pharmacist Chris Nguyen gives a free flu shot to Sandra Bazaldua at the 36th Annual Thanksgiving Big Feast presented by the City Wide Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle
Photo #13 - Volunteer Kim Bennett helps distribute free clothing at the 36th Annual Thanksgiving Big Feast presented by the City Wide Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle.
Photo #14 - Photo: Justin Hutto, Twitter.
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