It began last summer when youngsters playing in the Skate Park in Cardington, were given a snack by Cardington Police Patrolman Jason Kiefer.

Because the skate park is located adjoining the municipal building, it was easy to see the youngsters enjoying themselves.

As the weeks went by, more youngsters came to play on the skate park and in the Community Park itself. Each Wednesday, Patrolman Kiefer brought a lunch to them. By this time, different businesses were chipping in to help provide

some of the food.

Donations of $372 were collected from the community to help support this project.The Pizza Barn, Subway, several churches and individuals donated food for lunch. Frosties from Wendy’s topped the lunches.

With the approach of Thanksgiving, Patrolman Kiefer reached out to the local school and the teachers there gave him the names of 60 students in grades K-8 who could be invited to a Thanksgiving meal.

The Morrow County Hospital furnished the turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and pumpkin pie and Subway in Cardington provided the beverages.

The dinner was served Thursday evening, Nov. 17, in the American Legion Post Home. Helping to serve were Malinda Webb from MCH who volunteered and Gus Peyton and his wife, Susie, Cardington mayor.

“It was fabulous,” said Mayor Peyton. “ The kids were pleased and took left overs to their grandparents.” Kiefer said other left over meals were given to community members.

The simple act of “reaching out” brought dividends that touched not only the tummies of these youngsters but also, their hearts.

Courtesy photo Nataliya McGary and Lukas Mermann relaxing after enjoying the Thanksgiving Dinner initiated by Cardington Patrolman Jason Kiefer
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/11/web1_McGary-and-Mermann-at-Legion-Hall-1-.jpgCourtesy photo Nataliya McGary and Lukas Mermann relaxing after enjoying the Thanksgiving Dinner initiated by Cardington Patrolman Jason Kiefer

By Evelyn Long

The Sentinel

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