Sixth-graders from Wolf Trap Elementary School gave local seniors something to be thankful for when they served a Thanksgiving dinner to the Vienna 50-90 Club at the Vienna Community Center Saturday evening.
"They have [the event] every year, and it's always nice," said Lorrie Little of Fairfax, who came with a friend from the 50-90 Club. "They do a good job."
"I think it's lovely," said senior Doris Amspaugh. Although the club meets for dinner every month, she said the annual Thanksgiving dinner served by Wolf Trap students is particularly special. "That's why we've got more people here," she said, adding, "A lot of senior citizens live at home, and maybe this is their only Thanksgiving."
"It's great that they come here and serve the seniors," said Ann Wickes. "I think they do a great job, and I think it gives them the sense that they're doing something for the seniors of the area."
"I think they love the children and they love the food they make," said Gaye Wymer, co-coordinator for the 50-90 Club, noting that this is the club's biggest dinner of the year.
Paul Schmitt, the club's other co-coordinator, said that whereas about 90 seniors attend the monthly dinners, the Thanksgiving meals have a turnout of about 140.
"The meal's excellent," he said. "It's wonderful. The seniors look forward to this, and the students do also."
For over an hour, about 30 students scurried around the tables enthusiastically distributing napkins, plastic cutlery and various foodstuffs.
"I just like coming here and serving. It's fun," said sixth-grader Robert Rucks.
Dana Beden and Annie Greenwood agreed. "I like serving people," said Dana.
"I think it's fun," Annie said.
Wolf Trap Elementary has been serving the dinner annually for about 20 years, said sixth-grade teacher Ellen Collins, who has been helping with the dinner since its inception. "The school does it as an outreach program and for the kids to have the experience of helping someone," she said. "And it's good to have the two generations interact."
"I think it's just great for the kids to come out and get involved with the community at such a young age, so they realize how important it is now and continue to be involved as they get older," said teacher Christine Haley.
The meal was actually prepared by parents of the students, and the many place mats used for the event were made by the school's first- and second-graders, said Collins.
Wymar noted that the space, as well as the plastic ware and cups, were provided at no charge by the community center.
"It was a little hectic," said sixth-grader Julianna Chuslow as the students were leaving. However, she said, "at the end, everyone was happy."