This article is brought to you by Turning Point System of Care. The SOC Breakfast club is back next week! Angela Dailey from Ball State University will be kicking off the discussion with a presentation on Adolescent Substance Abuse. Light breakfast and coffee will be provided!😀 ☕️

Last year, Taylor Community Schools hit a big milestone. It served more than 1,000 students and their families at its annual Thanksgiving dinner and coat drive in just its third year. This year, the school hopes to do even more.

On Tue., Nov. 14, from 5-7 p.m., Taylor’s fourth annual Thanksgiving Dinner takes place at Taylor High School. The event relocated from Taylor Elementary this year so that more people can be served.

“The high school has a much bigger kitchen, more space for the coats, more area for the kids to play,” said Taylor Superintendent Steve Dishon. “We would like more people to attend this year, but we are definitely planning for at least 1,000.”

Dishon explained that, while the event is hosted and organized by Taylor Schools, anyone may attend the event, regardless of where they live or attend school. And even though the majority of coats, hats, and gloves collected for the event are aimed at school-aged children, adults in need may find some winter apparel as well as a meal.

“Anyone can participate,” said Dishon. “They don't have to go to Taylor schools, and they don't have to be a child. We're not going to turn somebody away.”

Upon arrival, each person will receive a ticket. They can eat and select winter apparel with that ticket in hand. The Taylor Jazz Band and Taylor Choir will perform in the cafetorium during dinner, and the coats, hats, gloves, and scarves will be presented in the middle school gymnasium. And fun and games, complete with an inflatable obstacle course, will be located in the middle school gym as well.

Local businesses and nonprofit organizations are joining in the celebration, too. Dishon said that Bona Vista will have an informational booth, and local restaurants like Prodigy and Hacienda will offer some of their more popular snacks.

For those who don’t want to drive out to the high school east of Center, Taylor will offer a shuttle service from Indian Heights.

“We are going to provide some busing from the elementary school to the high school,” said Dishon. “They will be on a rotation. I know some people maybe live in Indian Heights and can get to the elementary school, but maybe can't get out here to the high school. We want to provide transportation so they can enjoy the dinner. The buses will start probably around 4:45 p.m.”

For additional information, visit the Taylor Community School Corporation Facebook page or call 765-453-3035.