Giving to others for Thanksgiving

Volunteers prepping for Thanksgiving pick-up and delivery orders. 

Brenda Moser

Advocate Contributor 

There are some people who enjoy giving more than receiving and Waterford’s Lana Plank is definitely a giver! I introduced you to Plank last Christmas when she was preparing a turkey dinner, with all of the trimmings, free to Norfolk residents who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy one.

I saw, first hand, just what an undertaking it was but Plank seemed in her element. Well, she was at it again for Thanksgiving 2026.

I met up with Plank right in her element – the Waterford United Church kitchen – doing what she does best… prepping a traditional Thanksgiving meal to once again give to those who may not have had one were it not for Plank. Add a crew of volunteers chipping in wherever needed and the day was a success. Delivery was provided by volunteer drivers to those without transportation, with many of the meals going to Simcoe.

Plank stated that there were 827 registered and she ended up feeding 857… YES, 857! Those numbers included about 400 in total to the unhoused.

“I could have served more,” added Plank and I am sure she would have done so – if necessary – without a single complaint. Volunteer drivers made 74 deliveries and many diners picked up their meals at the church. While it sounds like a huge undertaking and one that not many of us would tackle, Plank did not seem phased… she simply did what needed to be done to share with those in need.

The meal included coleslaw, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy, buns, dessert – the whole ‘shebang’! Our family had celebrated our Thanksgiving the day before so Plank insisted that I take two meals home for myself and my husband and I can confirm that it was most definitely delicious!

Plank definitely knows her way around a kitchen and cooking for a crowd and you get the feeling that she loves what she does and the people that she helps. People like Plank reassure us that there are still a lot of good people in the world doing good things for those in need. Thank you Lana, from the bottom of our hearts!