If there was something that embodied the idea of “Community Giving,” it would have to be what goes on just prior to Thanksgiving at the Our Lady of Peace Parish Center adjacent to St. Francis deSales Church in Geneva.

Literally dozens — perhaps more than 100 people in all — volunteer their time and contribute in some way during the year to make the Thanksgiving Dinners Project a success. Dare I say this year’s was its biggest yet.

About 400 boxes were distributed that fed more than 2,000 food-insecure people.

Leading the effort was Joan Leonard, coordinator of the Social Services Ministry for the Our Lady of Peace Parish. After a long career in the teaching profession, she retired in June 2022 — a retirement that lasted one month. That’s when she took on the current position that is part-time on paper but full-time in getting things done.

Her position allows her to make contact with many of the most vulnerable families........

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