WINONA, Minn. – Nearly $3,000 in donations were collected before and during the Thanksgiving dinner at the Winona High School for retired citizens. The high and middle school student councils, which traditionally organize the event, asked for advance donations toward next year. Although the COVID pandemic prevented students from serving this year, teachers and others volunteered to keep the tradition going. Nearly 400 free meals consisted of turkey from Ferndale Farms, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, stuffing, a Bloedow Bakery bun and dessert. The dinner was prepared by the school nutrition staff.
A thank-you note
“These kinds of efforts really demonstrate to us why we moved to Winona when we retired. There are good people here, and especially great teachers and kids! We are honored to live amongst all of you. Thanks to all of you from the bottom of our hearts. We feel happy, hopeful and uplifted by what you have done today.”