Happy Lakesgiving
<p>Savannah Overbeck, left, and Makayla Pellens, both seventh-grade students at Lakes Magnet School, enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner during the “Lakesgiving” event Monday night at the Coeur d’Alene middle school.</p>
<p>Samuel Barnett, a sixth-grader, leaps into the air to dodge a ball hit by AJ Milne, a seventh-grader, during a game of “gaga ball.”</p>
COEUR d'ALENE — After being without power for nearly a week, Tracey Delrosario and her family found a hot Thanksgiving meal hit the spot.
"We just got our power back on (Sunday night), so this is really nice," said Delrosario, among the 500 or so people who attended the free Lakesgiving at Lakes Magnet Middle School on Monday night.
Delrosario was among thousands of local residents who lost power during last week's fierce wind storm.
Delrosario's 9-year-old daughter Ella's eyes lit up when explaining the fun she had playing games with other students in the gym during Lakesgiving.
The festive event is a collaboration between school staff, Health Goals for Parents and Students, a group that spawned from the North Idaho Day of Hope, Second Harvest, the Salvation Army Kroc Center and multiple churches, including Real Life Ministries/Coeur d'Alene, Lake City Community Church, St. Pius X, Coeur d'Alene Assembly of God and Christ the King Lutheran.
This was the third year of the event, which originated by serving the Lakes community, but was opened to the entire area this year.
In addition to the meal and games, food and medical services were offered to attendees.
Emily Rogers, a seventh-grader at Lakes, said she enjoyed the togetherness the event generated.
"I like how it brings people together so we can help each other out," she said.
Emily's friend, seventh-grader Lillian Redfearn, added: "I hope we do it every year."
The students thought it was a nice touch to be served dinner by their teachers.
Lillian's father, Bob Redfearn, called Lakesgiving "grand."
"It's the way things should be," he said. "You can feel the brotherhood and camaraderie. There's strength in numbers. When you look around the community, there's different walks of life, but it's nice to share time together."
Teresa Redfearn, Bob's wife, said the event shows the faith community and schools can come together for the common good.
"This shows that we can do that," she said. "It's what we need more of nowadays."
Chad Booth, a teacher at Lakes, said about 200 people volunteered for the event.
"I had more volunteers than jobs, which is a good problem to have," he said.
Booth said attendees had the option of filling out a card to express what they need for Christmas. Event participants will divvy up the list and collaborate on filling the needs.
Booth said serving people at the event is fulfilling.
"This time of year can be tough on families financially," he said. "We want to provide a traditional Thanksgiving experience where they can sit down and know that people are available to them. Schools are some of the most underused facilities around."