By Andrew Nash
Pittsburg Morning Sun – November 26, 2013
Safehouse would likely have a Thanksgiving meal even without the help of the Pittsburg Fire Department. But to most people, it wouldn’t seem quite right.
“It really wouldn’t be a Thanksgiving meal. We wouldn’t have a turkey and a ham. We’d still celebrate the holidays, but it wouldn’t be as special as this makes it,” said Rebecca Brubaker, Safehouse executive director. “There’s a big difference between turkey loaf and turkey.”
Thanks to members of the Pittsburg Fire Department, those staying at Safehouse won’t have to find out about that difference. Monday, PFD firefighters donated plenty of food, including a turkey, a ham, and many of the fixings to Safehouse for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
“This is a deal where the firemen pitch in $30 a year,” said PFD Capt. Rich Wood. “The fund takes care of charities. It takes care of Safehouse, and it takes care of the shopping we do with kids here in a few weeks. Also, if we have a major house fire, we’ll use the fund to kick in a few gift cards and help the families get back on their feet and going again.”
As for the donations to Safehouse, Wood said the PFD has been helping them for close to 15 years. He said that as the calendar approaches Thanksgiving, the PFD calls to find out how many people are staying at Safehouse.
But it’s not strictly just about the food — it’s also the sense that the holidays aren’t spent alone.
“The most important thing is the way the residents feel that the community cares. Anytime you’re not at your house, it doesn’t seem like Thanksgiving. So it’s really nice to have that support,” Brubaker said.
The Thanksgiving meal at Safehouse is not exactly a public gathering — right now there are likely to be more than a dozen at the shelter over the holidays. However, it’s a sight to see for those who help at the shelter.
“They all band together. The women that are in the house work together and take turns doing different parts of the meal. It’s like a large family there. Some have been there quite a while,” Brubaker said.
As for the firefighters who helped keep the turkey loaf off the table, it’s just a way they can further help those that need it.
“It’s something we enjoy and we’re helping the community,” Wood said.
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