Thanksgiving dinner promised in Camden

Sheriff’s office raising donations

This year, Camden County will have its own Thanksgiving Day dinner for those in the county who can’t afford dinner or are alone on the holiday.

Camden County Sheriff Tony Perry said his office has been raising funds for the county’s needy children for Christmas for the last eight years. This year, he’s concerned that residents are less able to afford the holidays during the recession, so his office and the South Mills Christian Men’s Fellowship are organizing a dinner at Camden County High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

He said he knows the down economy is hurting county residents.

“We’re going to do everything we can to try to help them,” he said.

He said the group has received $1,000 from the Wal-Mart Foundation to pay for the dinner, and he has approached several groups in the community to volunteer on the day. He said he’s not sure of how many participants will show up that day or how many volunteers he’ll see.

“It takes a special person that would want to come out and serve others,” he said.

Those who are physically unable to get to the high school on Thanksgiving can call the sheriff’s office to request meals be delivered to them.

His office continues to take applications until the end of November from families who can’t provide Christmas gifts for their children this year. Last year his office assisted 76 children, and this year so far he has received applications from 19 families for the Christmas program.

“We do law enforcement, but as Sheriff I can take a stand and help people in times like this,” he said.

To make donations to the sheriff’s Christmas program, volunteer at the Thanksgiving dinner or request assistance, call the sheriff’s office at 338-5046.