Boys & Girls Clubs Celebrate Thanksgiving

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside celebrated Thanksgiving this week with food, fun, and football. The Club’s Mentone site held its 15th annual Thanksgiving feast and Turkey Bowl on Thursday, Nov. 19. The meal included homemade turkey rice soup, salads, and cornbread. Ingredients for each item were assigned to a Club member to bring. Table decorations were made by members during art time, and the Junior Torch Club leadership and service group helped set up and serve the meal. “I think this is the biggest group of kids we’ve had at the Thanksgiving feast in a long time,” Mentone site director Jo Bohlman told Club members. “Thank everyone who helped, because everyone made something on their plate.” After the meal, 30 kids played in the Turkey Bowl touch football game. The rest of the Club cheered on the two teams, which practiced in the weeks leading up to the game. On Friday, Nov. 20, the Club’s San Bernardino site hosted a Thanksgiving meal for members and their families. Club staff also honored Cal State San Bernardino volunteers – who donated the food - for their service at the site. Since 2007, students have been active volunteers at the site. The Club also recognized Member of the Month Isaac Delgado. Also on Nov. 20, the Club’s Moreno Valley site served a Thanksgiving meal to members, made from items donated by parents. Club members made a “thankful tree”, writing what they’re thankful for on hand tracings. Club staff have also been passing out turkeys to parents this week that were donated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Other Club celebrations this week included a meal, contests, and games at the Riverside site.