A Durham-based catering company is spreading holiday cheer by offering free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. This heartwarming initiative aims to support the community during tough times.
According to Katie Featherstone, many people in the Durham area are struggling to recover financially following the government shutdown, and some are still scared to leave their homes amid Border Patrol Enforcement. That's why her company, White Clover Catering, stepped in to provide free holiday meals for people in the area.
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"It's really important for us to give back to our communities whenever we can," said Featherstone. "We are fortunate enough to have been really well blessed this Thanksgiving and had some people who donated to help us do this."
Featherstone, alongside her family, spent the evening cooking and packaging food for anyone who stopped by, no questions asked.
"We had a couple of people who came because they just got out of the hospital, they heard that there was food, and they were so thankful. Lots of families who have not been able to spend as much time as they wanted to with their loved ones, and this took the need to cook off their plate," said Featherstone.
At the giveaway, many children in the area showed up. Some told WRAL that the act of kindness makes them and their families feel supported.
"There are at least some people that are looking out for you, [whether] you know them or not. I feel like this is a staple of Thanksgiving," said one teenager in attendance.
Featherstone told WRAL that giving back is what Thanksgiving is all about, and she felt a sense of fulfillment making sure people in need had food to eat on the holiday.
"It feels like the right thing to do," said Featherstone. "I think I've given out more hugs today than I have in the past year. It's made me feel really great."
This was the first holiday that White Clover Catering provided free meals, and after the Thanksgiving turnout, they plan on making it an annual tradition.