From the Missourian: Everybody Eats prepares to give back for 17th year
- Nov 14, 2014
- 2 min read
Published on columbiamissourian.com, 11/14
COLUMBIA — The preparation for Almeta Crayton's Everybody Eats Thanksgiving program is underway for the 17th consecutive year.
Crayton was elected in 1999 to represent the First Ward in the Columbia City Council and served for three terms. She dedicated much of her life to service in Columbia.
Volunteer coordinator Janice Threat-Smith* said food baskets will be distributed up until Nov. 25. On Thanksgiving morning, hot meals will be delivered to seniors, disabled groups and people in shelters.
A community meal, free and open to the public, will be held in Stephens College's Stamper Commons at noon on Thanksgiving Day.
"We have completed all the planning," Threat-Smith said. "We're in operation mode now."
More than 450 baskets of turkey, dressing, greens, corn and cake have already been assembled for donation, said Kentrell Minton, Crayton's godson and chair of Everybody Eats. Nearly 100 volunteers have already signed up for production teams. Several food drives are underway.
Last year's production, however, went a little differently.
Crayton, the founder of Everybody Eats, died Oct. 21 2013, about a month before Thanksgiving. According to previous reporting by the Missourian, her son Tyrone Crayton spearheaded that year's community dinner.
Last year, a basket giveaway did not take place.
"This is one of the things she fought for: the community to be able to come together and eat as a family," Minton said. "That's what we need in this town. ... We definitely want to keep this legacy going because I think it will bring Columbia closer and closer."
Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 8164 Columbia, Missouri 65205 or Academy Bank, 1201 Grindstone Pkwy Columbia, Missouri 65203. Checks should be made to Almeta Crayton's Everybody Eats.
Those who are interested in volunteering can visit the organization's Facebook pageor call 573-268-4372.
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