FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, poonkwong@bgcsctn.org
“We Are Family” Luncheon Brings Thanksgiving to 280 Boys & Girls Club Members
Volunteer dishes a healthy helping of gravy to Pulaski Club kid
Mt. Pleasant, TN — November 25, 2025 — Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) brought the community together in a spirit of gratitude during its annual We Are Family Thanksgiving Luncheon, held November 24 at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center. Over the course of the afternoon, more than 280 Club membersfrom all 14 Club locations shared a holiday meal, enjoyed hands-on activities, and celebrated with lively performances—thanks to the support of volunteers, partners, and staff who made the day possible.
In a region where many families face financial challenges and food insecurity, BGCSCTN continues to be a steady source of support and belonging. Poverty rates in Maury and Giles Counties remain above the state average, and many youth rely on the Clubs not only for mentorship and enrichment but also for snacks after school and a dependable place to feel safe. This year’s Thanksgiving gathering was a clear example of that mission at work.
A warm moment captured as volunteers dish out meals for Club members.
Kids were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving-style meal catered by Kc’s Southern Soul & More and served with care by volunteers from Dominion Payroll. Their warm smiles and friendly energy helped make the meal feel extra special as they handed out plates filled with oven-roasted chicken, ham, macaroni and cheese, corn stuffing, green beans, gravy, and dessert. Behind the scenes, volunteers from Ultium Cells LLC kept the event running smoothly—setting up tables, cleaning between groups, and making sure the space stayed welcoming for every child who walked through the line.
Volunteers from Dominion Payroll and Ultium Cells, stop for a quick photo with the gratitude tree created by Club kids.
The afternoon offered much more than a meal. Club members created a colorful Gratitude Tree, adding handwritten notes about the people and moments they appreciate most. Kids played outside in the crisp fall weather, and a spirited cheer performance brought guests to their feet. The celebration wrapped up with a joyful group photo on the field, capturing the bright faces and sense of community that defined the day.
A spirited chant from the Boys & Girls Club Cheer Squad energized the crowd at the We Are Family event
Moments like these highlight the heart of BGCSCTN’s work. Since opening its doors in 1999, the organization has focused on creating great futures for young people across South Central Tennessee. Today, nearly 1,800 youth participate in its programs across 14 sites, gaining academic support, mentorship, healthy meals, and opportunities that help them grow into confident, capable leaders.
Club kids are all smiles after a delicious Thanksgiving meal
“We are family is and always has been a meal that brings people together from various walks of life to show the young people of our community how much we care” said Josh Campbell, COO of BGCSCTN. “This year’s event, serving almost 300 youth, was no exception. It was evident by the smiles on all the kids’ faces that they felt the joy of the holiday season start, right there in the Mt. Pleasant Community Center.
Board Members and CEO Ginny Wright, Stop for a quick photo with Teens Junior and Emily
As Club kids headed home with full stomachs and warm memories, the impact of the luncheon was clear. It was a reminder of what can happen when a community shows up for its kids: joy is shared, burdens are lifted, and hope grows stronger—one meal and one moment of gratitude at a time.
BGCSCTN extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped bring the We Are Family Thanksgiving Luncheon to life. Their generosity and teamwork show just how powerful a caring community can be during the holiday season.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,700 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information, please visit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
