Edison’s Thanksgiving Eatery event promotes food and fellowship

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Families at Edison Elementary were treated to a special evening as the school hosted its annual “Edison Eatery” Thanksgiving dinner — a long-standing tradition centered on community and connection.  

The event brought together teachers, staff and volunteers who stepped away from their daily routines to serve meals to families at candlelit tables.  

“It's an opportunity for families to come and get a beautiful meal, served to them, the whole turkey dressing, pumpkin pie rolls, all free of charge,” said Kelly Brandon, a special education teacher at Eddison.

This year, the school anticipated serving nearly 200 families. The dinner was made possible thanks to donations from several local businesses across St. Joseph, allowing the school to offer a full Thanksgiving meal at no cost. 

Inside the cafeteria — where the meal is prepared from scratch — families filled the room, many attending for the first time. 

“This takes a lot of work and organization, but we're thrilled to be able to say this has been going on for 25 years. This has been an Edison tradition,” Brandon said.  

Brandon also credited paraprofessional Beth Crabtree, who has played a key role in organizing the event for the past decade.  

She said the motivation behind the event remains the same year after year: creating a space where families truly feel seen and appreciated. 

One attendee said she brought her kids and nephews to try something new. 

“We haven't done anything like this before. It's very nice and very generous of the school to do things like this," said Breunna Finch, a mom and attendee. "I really- I came for the kids. See how they like it. And they're all enjoying themselves."

For Edison staff, that’s exactly the point. Beyond the food, the hope is that families walk away with a deeper sense of community — and a reminder of how powerful it can be when people come together and share a meal.