At 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Avalanche Pizza had a line out the door, as the people of this community showed their support for a great cause. When I looked at these just-awakened bread buyers standing in the drizzle, I said, “Crap! I forgot the coffee!” Regardless, we baked breads through sunrise and into the afternoon until we ran out at noon.
This is Avalanche Pizza’s third year of baking for Thanksgiving to benefit United Appeal of Athens County. All the proceeds of the 500-plus loaves of bread and rolls will go to support this non profit. Athens County is poor, the food pantries are barren and the charitable organizations are stretched to the limit. Funds are so low in our area that even the Athens Library is now closed on Mondays because of State mandated cuts. Luckily, some awesome neighbors stepped up to donate over $2000 to a good cause.
Someone who continually helps those in need is Pam Harvey, executive director of United Appeal. She directs UA’s assistance to these local agencies; Athens County Food Pantry, American Red Cross, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Appalacian Community Hospice and Appalacian Visiting Nurses, Family Healthcare Service, The Gathering Place, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, HAVAR Inc., Retired Seniors Program, Athens County Mental Health and Counseling Program, Housing for Athens Seniors Program, and the Athens County 211 Program.
Pam and United Appeal board member Aaron Thomas (shout out to his awesome business, Class A Sounds) helped us bake the night away the night before. Robin Barnes from Power 105 reminded people all morning of the bread sale, which increased traffic tremendously.
My General Manager Joel Fair was, as usual, the bread baking afficionado who cranked the ovens up and didn’t miss a beat. Patty Nally came in extra early to add her expertise to all the breads and was there for the point of sale.
I am proud to be a member of a community that showed so much support, especially in these trying finacial times. Thank you to all who contributed.
