On November 27, 2025, volunteers across Reading and Berks County came together to provide hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in need. Local organizations and businesses, including the Reading High School basketball team, played a significant role in this community effort.
The day commenced early with a group of players from the Reading High School basketball team. They organized a meal at the Marvel Ranch, located at 359 Penn St. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to teach players about the importance of community service, according to junior varsity coach Lenny Stinson. He emphasized, “It gives them the chance to grow. It gives them the chance to learn.”
The concept for this event was developed by Shawn Stankiewicz, another JV coach, who collaborated with restaurant owner Cheryl Burton to engage the players more actively in community service. The result was a successful effort that distributed around 150 meals on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers prepared the meals the previous day, and by 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, the food was all gone.
Fifteen-year-old sophomore Cameron Jones expressed his motivation for volunteering, stating, “I volunteer just to see people with smiles on their faces eating and having a good time.” Andry Richardson, a ninth grader participating for the first time, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It makes me happy to see people smile when they get a free meal.”
The commitment of the basketball team extends beyond Thanksgiving. The players regularly organize neighborhood cleanups and other community initiatives. Senior Khaliq Weaver, who has volunteered for four years, shared his journey into community service, saying, “I just fell in love with it.”
Support from parents and the Reading High Squires Club, which helped gather donations of pies, cornbread, and other side dishes, was vital to the success of the event. Club president Wendy Boyd highlighted the significance of mentoring the young volunteers, stating, “Watching them grow, watching them become good people — it’s awesome.”
This event was one of many free meals offered throughout the area. Other organizations and churches, such as Holy Trinity Church of God and Kennedy House, also contributed to the Thanksgiving efforts. At Holy Trinity, volunteers prepared over 550 meals for delivery and takeout, with William Lockhart Sr. noting, “We turn no one away.” He and his wife, Tammy Lockhart, have been involved in this outreach since its inception in 1991, driven by a desire to give back to the community.
The church’s outreach has sustained itself through the dedication of numerous volunteers, who cook turkeys, assemble meals, and deliver them to those in need. For those relying on Meals on Wheels, the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors has stepped in to provide Thanksgiving services for the past 40 years. About 20 turkeys cooked by volunteers were delivered to the West Lawn United Methodist Church, where meals were assembled and sent out to homebound residents.
At Kennedy House, a soup kitchen on 532 Spruce St., volunteers provided a sit-down meal for over 120 people. Organizers Michael Knoll and Diane Lindy have dedicated over two decades to this effort. Lindy expressed mixed emotions about serving regular patrons, stating, “I love seeing the people, but I hate seeing the same people.”
As the tradition of providing free meals continues to grow, the commitment of volunteers ensures that the spirit of Thanksgiving extends to those who might otherwise go without. The selflessness demonstrated by community members in Reading and Berks County serves as a reminder of the power of collective generosity during the holiday season.
