TROUT CREEK — While we missed the camaraderie of years passed, the ninth annual South Ontonagon County Thanksgiving dinner was a success, though COVID-19 necessitated several changes.

With all the necessary safety protocols in place, a core group of volunteers, led by Ken and Melanie Pelkola, were kept busy all day Wednesday preparing 125 home-cooked meals for pick-up and delivery to those home-bound.

The free event consisted of a full course turkey and ham dinner, complete with all the trimmings, salads and desserts.

“These have been challenging times for our community, still everyone came together” said Melanie Pelkola. “It would not have been possible without the financial and in-kind support of the Ottawa Lions Club, GOCAA Nutrition, McMillan Township, Cloverland Senior Center and The White Door as well as financial and other donations,” she continued.

We would also like to thank the Ontonagon Herald and Jan Tucker for help with advertising, the volunteers who prepared the food and trays and clean up as well as the drivers who delivered meals.

While we were unable to bring family, friends and neighbors together this year, Thanksgiving was still a time to reflect on our many gifts, especially the spirit of our community to make this happen.