Shalika Smith, nutrition specialist at the Boys and Girls Club of Glasgow and Barren County, serves a meal to a community member during a Thanksgiving meal hosted at the club on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Glasgow and Barren County joined Tuesday evening for a Thanksgiving meal and fellowship.
Shalika Smith, the club nutrition specialist, played a large part in the meal’s preparation. She’s been with the club the last four years.
“I play a good hand in it. Me and Ms. Lisa, we work hard together,” Smith said. “She works for the school. I make sure everything here at the Boys and Girls Club is good. We kind of put our heads together to make sure everything is successful.”
Lisa Akins is a member of the club kitchen staff. Smith said she often assists in kitchen event preparation and play a large role in the kitchen.
Smith said Akins helps serve children meals most days.
“We serve them a meal at snack time. It’s from three to four,” Smith said. “We feed them, and if they’re still hungry, we also feed them again.”
The club’s close-knit community makes events like its annual Thanksgiving dinner a staple event. The dinner was open to club members and their families.
“The club is like a family that most people never really get to have. They’re accepting of almost anything and they just provide as much as they can for the kids,” said 16-year-old Nevin Skinner. “It’s a very good place for anybody to be.”
Between club volunteers and staff members, the children at the club have a host of people who care for them. Smith said the staff strives to help children and their families.
“We’re here to help at any time. If they need anything, we’re here,” Smith said. “We’re here.”
Kaylee Thomas, 13, said she started coming to the club when she was six. She has since enjoyed club trips and events.
Thomas said the club is a place for unique minds. Everyone has a fair shot at the club, she said.
“People can be their self and nobody can judge them for it,” Thomas said.
The club plans to participate in early December in its annual Christmas shopping event.
