Taylor, YMCA have great success in celebrating the season

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Taylor Schools provided a Thanksgiving meal to reach the community through food and fellowship, and the response was as strong as ever for the annual event. According to Taylor Superintendent Steve Dishon, the meal attracted more than 700 people, and most of them went home with new winter apparel as well.

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Dishon of the event, which filled the high school’s cafeteria and auditorium. “We gave out many coats, hats, and gloves. There was a line most of the night, but it ran very smoothly.”

For several years, Taylor Schools has offered the Thanksgiving dinner to the entire community, but this time it added another feature. Alongside the tables filled with winter coats and more, 20 area agencies participated in a “Care Fair.” From education and awareness to connections to needed resources, the agencies shared their expertise and aid to any who needed it.

“Their booths were swamped all night,” said Dishon. “It was awesome to bring them all under one roof. I don’t think people have any idea how many agencies there are out there that can help in times of need.”

Dishon expressed surprise at the number of participants at this year’s event who were not patrons of Taylor Schools. Students and parents from across Howard and Tipton counties attended the dinner. But that has been the intent all along, he said. Caring doesn’t stop at the school district line.

“This event impacts the community in ways beyond mere coats and a meal,” said Dishon. “By reaching out to area businesses and pooling our own resources, we are showing the community that we care and view them as part of our larger family. We are a vital part of what makes our community successful.

“We care about our students, our families and the community at large. While those in power seem to want to divide us, we believe that we share much more in common with each other, and we see it as our duty to step up and help our neighbor. We want to be viewed as a community center.”

The dinner took place with the assistance of dozens of individuals and organizations; too many to thank at once, Dishon said. But the appreciation and gratitude from Taylor Schools to all who helped is plentiful.

“The generosity of our community around here was staggering,” said Dishon. “But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our staff. The Taylor Community staff puts in months of work, making sure everything runs smoothly and the people who come are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.”

See additional photos from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.

Turkey Trot takes over downtown on Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving morning, more than 100 people got up early to celebrate the holiday with a brisk run or walk. They amassed in front of the Kokomo Family YMCA to participate in the annual Turkey Trot.

The 5K run/walk draws a crowd each year despite the weather, and this year’s rendition, taking place just days before the season’s first big snowstorm, had bundled-up runners braving the biting air to complete a pre-feast journey.

Top finishers received awards, and those who registered early enough received medals and t-shirts. The event serves as a community outreach as well as a fundraiser for the Kokomo Family YMCA, helping it continue to provide healthy activities and events for its members.

For more information about the Kokomo Family YMCA, including its annual 12 Days of Fitmas program taking place now, which offers a $250 grand prize for the top finisher, visit the Kokomo Family YMCA’s Facebook page or https://kokomoymca.org/.