"What is a Soberthon?" you may be asking.

It's an old tradition amongst 12-step groups. Knowing the holidays can be rough, oftentimes a trigger, members of groups band together to help any who may be tempted to go back out to old ways.

This year, the Fellowship of Hope Club, 1301 N. Webster St., will hold a Soberthon from Wed., Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. until Fri., Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.

Typically, volunteers will take a specific time block, but one thing is certain: there will always be someone there. The length of a Soberthon varies. Some locations have small groups, and other areas have big clubs. But you can almost guarantee a 24-hour period to get you through the initial holiday.

Twelve-step meetings occur as they usually do because addiction never sleeps. Recovery shouldn't, either. But the meetings that really matter are the ones between the meetings.

These "meetings" are where the rubber meets the road; the nitty gritty of life. These meetings are the late afternoon/early morning varieties. It's a small group of recovering people who've ended a meeting only a couple hours before, sitting around and talking about life.

There's always the "coulda, shoulda, would've" side of things; regret, hopes, crushed dreams, lost loves, and everything in between. Soberthons are us, recovering people doing what we do best: talking about recovery.

If you or anyone you love are suffering addiction and need a safe, sober environment this Thanksgiving holiday, don't be shy. Regularly scheduled meetings will happen at the Fellowship of Hope Club, Inc. throughout the season. But between then we’re going to be playing cards and games, and TVs will be on for football.

If you're curious to know more about the Fellowship of Hope Club, call 765-416-4582 or email thefellowshipofhopeclub@gmail.com. As a 501(c)3, any donations you may wish to donate would be considered tax deductible. And if you find you'd love to get rid of some excess food you don't want, we would love to take that off your hands as well! (Especially the chocolate!)