YORK, Pa. — Lincoln Charter School hosted a Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday evening in an effort to bring the York community together- one Thanksgiving meal at a time.
Some 100 parents, kids and community leaders attended the annual event that was back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It’s always good, it warms my heart to see the community come together especially within these walls to make something like this happen," said Lincoln Charter School CEO Robert Catten. "With so many other things happening in the communities, it’s always good when we can get together and celebrate and create a narrative that’s positive ultimately about the school and the community."
Members of the York City Police Department were also in attendance, helping hand out meals while interacting with the community they serve to protect.
"The interactions are everything. If we can sit around and joke, share a meal. There’s no other way to do it. It’s the human interaction that’s the important part," said Sgt. John Huncher of the York City Police Department's Support Services Division. “We wouldn’t exist without our relationships. They’re a critical part of our infrastructure and how we operate. If we didn’t have them we couldn’t accomplish anything."
Lincoln Charter School administrators add the holiday season is the perfect time to focus the event's message of community, camaraderie and togetherness.
"Education and academics are our focus for us but sometimes I think the [community] parts are overlooked and these are the parts that really strengthen the commitment of scholars to want to come to school or families to be equal members in participating in their child’s education."
Destiny Maggett and her daughter Na’la, who is a kindergarten student at the school, said it was a night that kicked off a feeling of what the holidays are all about.
"It’s awesome to see we can all come together and celebrate," said Maggett. "It’s the future here with our children and we’re here with our children just spreading that message of joy and positivity and family."
School administrators hope the event sends a message that will resonate the entire holiday season.
"I want everybody to not only be thankful but mindful of others during this holiday season and really commit to not only serving themselves but to serve others," said Catten.