On November 27, 2025, volunteers across Reading and Berks County provided hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in need. Local organizations and businesses collaborated to ensure that those who may have gone without a holiday meal were supported.
The day began early for a group of basketball players from Reading High School, who sponsored a meal at the Marvel Ranch located at 359 Penn St. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to promote community involvement among the youth. Junior varsity coach Lenny Stinson emphasized the program’s value in teaching players the significance of service. “It gives them the chance to grow. It gives them the chance to learn,” he stated.
The collaboration began when coach Shawn Stankiewicz and Marvel Ranch owner Cheryl Burton brainstormed ways to engage players with the community. The outcome was a successful event where players, coaches, and volunteers prepared and packaged meals the day before Thanksgiving. On the holiday itself, they distributed a total of 150 meals within an hour of starting at 7:40 a.m.
Fifteen-year-old sophomore Cameron Jones expressed his motivation for returning to volunteer, stating, “I volunteer just to see people with smiles on their faces eating and having a good time.” First-time volunteer and ninth grader Andry Richardson echoed this sentiment, saying, “It makes me happy to see people smile when they get a free meal.”
The Reading High School basketball team’s community service extends beyond Thanksgiving. Stinson and Stankiewicz noted that players regularly engage in neighborhood cleanups and other charitable activities. Senior Khaliq Weaver reflected on his experience, saying, “I just fell in love with it” after being introduced to community service by his coaches.
Support for this initiative came from parents and the Reading High Squires Club, which helped gather donations of side dishes such as pies, cornbread, and vegetables. Club president Wendy Boyd remarked on the rewarding nature of watching the young men grow into responsible individuals.
In addition to the Marvel Ranch event, various other organizations and churches across Berks County participated in providing free meals. Notable among them were the Holy Trinity Church of God and Kennedy House, among others. At Holy Trinity, volunteers prepared over 550 meals for both delivery and takeout, with longtime volunteer William Lockhart Sr. stating, “We turn no one away.” Along with his wife Tammy Lockhart, he has been involved in this outreach since its inception in 1991.
At the Kennedy House, located at 532 Spruce St., volunteers served a sit-down meal for more than 120 guests. Organizers Michael Knoll and Diane Lindy, who have volunteered for over 22 years, noted the importance of their work. Lindy shared her feelings about serving regular guests, saying, “I love seeing the people, but I hate seeing the same people,” which highlights the ongoing need in the community.
The outreach efforts also included support from the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors, who prepared and delivered meals to homebound residents. Volunteers cooked approximately 20 turkeys at home, which were then delivered to the social hall of West Lawn United Methodist Church for assembly.
Despite many organizations shifting to takeout models following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kennedy House maintained its sit-down service, demonstrating a commitment to community connection. As the day concluded, the collaborative spirit of the volunteers resonated, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of giving in Berks County.
