Plea For Thanksgiving Meal Posted On Patch Unites Residents

CLEARWATER, FL — A group of newly acquainted Clearwater residents are planning a Christmas dinner delivery to local families in need after responding to a Thanksgiving plea for help from a resident in need who reached out on the Clearwater Patch Neighbor Post section.

When asked what Clearwater residents were most thankful for this Thanksgiving, resident Thomas Larsen responded that he was homebound and handicapped, and would be thankful for a Thanksgiving meal.

Resident Desia Ritson was the first to respond with an offer to help followed soon after by Susan Rich and Jodi Daeder, along with Doug Kelly, who offered to make deliveries.

Ritson said she was already cooking for a couple who are both sick (one just had a kidney removed due to cancer) and said she'd have no problem adding the makings for a meal for Larsen if someone would be willing to cook it.

In the meantime, Daeder contacted Larsen and made arrangements to bring him a Thanksgiving meal.

"I would never leave someone all alone without a meal on Thanksgiving," Daeder said. "I grew up very poor, and there have been many nights of going to sleep hungry. It is especially hurtful and lonely during a holiday, so I will definitely bring this fellow human being a delicious plate."

The three women began communicating by email, and Rich told them about a family in need of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Rich, a teacher who lives in Largo, was preparing a feast for a single mother with five children, one of which is a student of Rich's. The child, who is autistic and nonverbal, just spent five days in the hospital after being struck by a car.

"I just love helping people," Rich said. "I don’t want anyone to go hungry.

When she learned about the family, Ritson promptly donated food to help Rich prepare the meal for the family.

Ritson also sought help from Chris Sauger, who was happy to provide desserts for the women to take to the families.

Sauger founded the nonprofit Harbor Dish community cafe in Safety Harbor several years ago after volunteering at a Safety Harbor holiday event. Harbor Dish's motto is "Helping our community one plate at a time" and its goal is to fight hunger and food waste while bringing the community together.

"Desia is amazing. With her help, I delivered a trunk full of Thanksgiving dinner and three boxes of food to the family," Rich said. "She even gave me information about signing them up for Christmas dinner and gifts."

Ritson, 79, is a former caterer who used to manage Navy galleys and Army dining facilities all over the world.

"I can't do what I used to," she said. "Now I just volunteer where I can to help out a little in these times we are facing."

Daedel said she's grateful to find new like-minded friends, Ritson and Rich, through the Clearwater Patch Neighbor Post section.

She recently used the Clearwater Patch Neighbors page when she needed help getting repairs for her handicapped mother's scooter and said she was amazed by the quick response from the community. Within 24 hours. her mother's scooter was repaired.

"It is amazing to see how generous and kind my neighbors are," she said. "And I am grateful to Patch for bringing us all together."

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.