It seemed like a peel-a-thon when 23 seventh graders from Our Lady of Lourdes, peelers in hand, faced 120 pounds of potatoes. But it was a challenge they were willing to take on.

The chore was to help make a fresh Thanksgiving meal for about 230 people at Our Lady of Lourdes’ 11th Annual Thanksgiving International Potluck Dinner. The meal is not only open to parishioners, but to the entire community. Diners filled the hall, dining together in the spirit of thanksgiving.

Barbara and Tim Reardon started the tradition when they found themselves “empty nesters.” That first year, with a small team of volunteers, they fed about 100 people. With over 230 expected this year, the OLL kids happily began to peel the spuds, though some had never used a peeler before.

Seventh grade teacher Anita Herrera said the kids really seemed to have a good time, knowing they would be able to say, at their own Thanksgiving meal, “I don’t know who I fed, but I fed somebody.”

Students Ashley Lineses and Amelia De Guzman both agreed after peeling and setting the tables, “it was fun” and they’d do it again next year.

The meal was free and open to all. Parishioners and OLL school families were asked to donate turkeys and ingredients or bring a dish to share. Eighteen turkeys, lots of taters, boxes and boxes of stuffing and after about four long tables of desserts, the parish hall was set and ready for guests. The room was filled with single people, couples and families all ready to enjoy the delicious meal together, with 230 of their closest friends, neighbors and strangers.

The kids are now gearing up for the many volunteer opportunities OLL will offer for Christmas including donating food, making and delivering Christmas baskets and gifts for to those in need. They will put in action the lessons learned that holidays are about sharing, caring and giving.

Our Lady of Lourdes School continues to teach children from local communities on the basics of faith, education and service. OLL has been a steady force in this community for over 60 years.

OLL Principal Jennifer Reynaga extends an invitation to anyone interested in having a personal tour to call her at (818) 353-1106. OLL is currently accepting applications for enrollment. Please visit www.ourladyoflourdes.us.