LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Wolfe Street Foundation has always aimed to support the community, but for Thanksgiving, they are going above and beyond to keep a holiday tradition going.
Since 1982, the organization has been a staple for providing a safe space for those that struggle with Substance Abuse Disorder and more. Executive Director Justin Buck said during the holidays, it means the most because that time of the year can be tough for some.
"This can be a really hard time for families struggling with substance use disorder, so giving people a place to come get some great food and be around other like-minded folks is what this is all about," Buck said.
That's why they give a little extra love to those in need during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The group hosted what they call a "recovery family Thanksgiving" from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
"[It allows] individuals and their families who have been affected by substance abuse disorder [to] come and get a Thanksgiving meal," Development Coordinator Robin Green said.
Green told THV11 that the annual Recovery Family Thanksgiving Dinner typically feeds around 100 people and families. This year, they made room for even more in need of holiday cheer.
"We started on Monday preparing all the food, and we've got everything from turkey to sweet potato pie, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes," Green said. "We had several volunteers who didn't help prepare the food, but they actually brought desserts and things like that that will be served," Green said.
Filling the tables is usually one obstacle they can swiftly overcome, but Green said its the behind-the-scenes work that makes this day possible each year — including the volunteer work that Green said "keeps things going."
What radiated the most though, was the love in the kitchen — reflecting what the holidays truly mean.
"No matter where we're at in life right now, we're not going to be alone. We do have a family here that supports us and we can have the fun and fellowship that we need around the holiday time," volunteer Kenneth Greenwell said.