Welcome to America. Welcome Home.

This is one of the coolest things I believe I have seen.

From Larry Rice:

'We are having Thanksgiving dinner at El Camino at 5 pm for the war refugees relocated here in Louisville.

The staff at both places have stepped up and volunteered to help.

Our Chefs are cooking Hala turkey and a whole roasted Hala Lamb.

Anyone wanting to help; side dishes, desserts and company are appreciated.

Some of us are arriving at 2 to start set up and anyone is welcome to join us.I'd love to show these folks some community support after all that they have been through.

We are looking for vans and or a bus to help with transportation at 4:15/ 4:30

We're expecting 50-75 refugees and from the looks of it close to that number in volunteers.

There will be lots of children so anyone with activities to keep them busy would be appreciated.

Out of respect for their beliefs please no pork or alcohol.'

I was so excited when I saw this on FB last night- what a great idea! I went out today to get a bunch of stuff for the kids. I wish I had access to transportation- surely someone will step up.
Way to go Larry & Co.

[Robin Garr]

I believe something similar is also happening at the Silver Dollar on Thanksgiving. I'll try to dig up particulars.

Stephen: This sounds great! We can't help with transportation, but would like to pitch in. Any idea on specifics on what else is needed, or who to contact for more info?

One of the most memorable things for my family coming here from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina was seeing the signs on the Thornton's stations that said "Welcome new Louisville families." Don't underestimate the power of even the smallest gesture to someone who's lost everything.

That being said, it saddens me a bit to see so many of my fellow Katrina people being adamant that we shouldn't allow Syrian refugees into the country.

Stephen: This sounds great! We can't help with transportation, but would like to pitch in. Any idea on specifics on what else is needed, or who to contact for more info?

You can call El Camino at 454.5417 and they'll point you in the right direction.

This is really cool. Makes me like El Camino even more than I already did.

This is beautiful. Thank you for doing such a good deed.

I want to thank Robin for posting this on the LHB Facebook page!

Susie Hoyt (susie@whiskeybythedrink.com) is coordinating the volunteer efforts. If you are making food, you can email her the recipe, which will be translated into both Arabic and Spanish so that people can be aware of allergens or haram ingredients. I'm guessing that since she has taken this over that she will have a list of who has volunteered what to-date.

Food should not contain pork products or alcohol. You can get halal lamb/chicken broth at Whole Foods. There is also halal jello/gelatin- I'm guessing that the Value Market in the south end might carry this (am I the only one who makes a jello salad at Thanksgiving? Such a throwback from my childhood!).

Larry says they are now expecting 100+ refugees. They need transportation from the refugee center at Highland and Cherokee. They are also looking for activities/treats for the kids who are coming, and the Refugee Center is collecting warm clothing (Larry has also posted a list of household items that the Center distributes- his facebook page is public).

I look forward to meeting some of you on Thursday at this awesome event!

Just now saw this and am leaving town with no time to help out. Please please let us know if someone will be doing something around Christmas. I'm in!