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
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee has served young people across Maury and Giles Counties since 1999, providing safe, supportive places where kids and teens can learn, grow and reach their full potential. Today, the organization serves more than 1,800 kids and teens annually through Clubhouse and school-based locations across the region.
Through programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship, and a culture of safety, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee is committed to providing a world-class Club Experience that puts success within reach of every young person who enters its doors.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and its programs, please visit BGCSCTN.
