By Rosemary Petriello

It all begins shortly after Thanksgiving, and once the ball gets rolling, Shirley Thompson doesn’t stop until Christmas night. This year the list of those in need grew by approximately 30 percent from last year’s numbers, but that didn? deter Shirley one bit. It only made her more determined to complete her annual project of delivering hot meals to those in need on Christmas Day, and also delivering gifts to all of the children on her list the weekend before Christmas.

This year Don and Betty Herman, along with their daughter Cathy, Shirley and her daughter-in-law Deneen wrapped over 800 gifts. The gifts were delivered to 86 children on December 20 to over 30 homes by a group of volunteers with deliveries beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until 8 p.m.

As soon as the gifts were delivered, it was time to think about the food for Christmas Day. Shirley and husband John spent the entire day on December 23 shopping for all of the turkeys, turkey breasts, vegetables, baked ziti ingredients, all of the trimmings and individua containers for each person’s meal.

On Christmas Eve, the Thompson Family gathers for their annual family celebration, which is cooked by Shirley herself. Once the evening meal is cleaned up, the work begins for the Christmas Day project.

This year Shirley and her family, extended family and friends delivered hot meals to 218 people. Due to the large number of meals this year, the project was moved from Shirley’s Cape Cod to the kitchen at Wesley Methodist Church.

At about 11 p.m., Shirley, John and their children, John and wife Deneen, Jerry, Candace and fianc Matt, Heather and neighbor Rosemary, headed over to the church to prepare the food for Christmas Day delivery. While Shirley cooked 104 pounds of turkey, the team prepared the nonperishable items for delivery, including cranberry sauce, fruit cups, fresh rolls, fresh fruit, nuts, pies, and homemade pumpkin bread which was donated by neighbor, Betty Herman. The team worked until 1 a.m. and once they were on their way, Shirley continued working throughout the night.

Her son, Jerry, returned at 5 a.m. to start cooking the baked ziti after going home just a few hours earlier.

Friends Bob and Arlene Richie, who are members of Wesley Methodist Church, made arrangements for Shirley to use the church kitchen. Going above and beyond the call of duty, Bob and Arlene stayed with Shirley while she cooked throughout the night to ensure things worked properly in the kitchen. Shirley says, "The Richie’s stayed with me the whole time, from start to finish. They were there right through until everything was cleaned up."

On Christmas morning, the volunteers returned at 11 a.m. to begin the deliveries. This year there were many new volunteers to help with the deliveries, including members of South Plainfield Business Association. The deliveries began promptly at 11 a.m. and within one hour and 20 minutes 218 meals had been delivered.

After the deliveries had been made, the volunteers were fed a meal of hot turkey, stuffing, green beans, potatoes, cranberry sauce, plus many other goodies in the church hall. Because of a great team effort, the day was a huge success and the holiday was made brighter for those in need locally in South Plainfield.

There are many people who Shirley would like to thank, but the first on her list are her husband John and mom Stella. John helps in so many ways, but he is the one who carves every turkey, and then he goes out to make deliveries. Stella helps Shirley in the weeks leading up to the big day and helps to keep everyone laughing with her jokes after a long day.

Shirley says that her four kids and extended families are the ones who make the most sacrifices. "It’s the kids who give up their Christmas, but they never complain." This year was the sixth year Shirley and her family made this project happen, and those who volunteered initially keep coming back. Each year brings new faces and more fun.

This last year brought trying economic times for many, but it made no difference in the generosity of donors. Shirley would like to thank those who volunteered their time and donated so generously: Wesley Methodist Church, the South Plainfield Observer, Michelle Bartel and family, Ken and Ellie Stockman, Linda Rodriguez, Steve and Marge Matchet, Donald and Patricia Jackson, Sherban? Diner, Arch Personal Care, Hometown Heros, Michelle and Carmen Petrillo, Cathy Herman, Don and Betty Herman, Louie Herman, Danielle, Tony and Anthony Sidorski, Daniel DiMaria, Margaret Flynn, Twin City Pharmacy, Dave? Stationary, Tom Salerno, Linda Vaughn, Bagel Pantry, Curves, Wayne and Nancy Grennier, Rose and Thorne Ramirez, Rosebud Cash, George and Betty Coyne, Joyce, Brian and Amanda Schweers, Mrs. Schweers, Rosemary Orlandini, Joanne and Harry Robinson, Debbie Leporino, South Plainfield Business Association, Sensient (Georgeanne Larsen and staff), Doris Lant, Marie Dolinksi, Mark Slyvchak, Grainger, Haisch? Bakery, Barry and Joan Duker, Scott and Lisa Robinson, Peggy and Dave Koury, Bob and Arlene Richie, Doug Lauckhardt, Michelle Smith, Joseph Currao, Sorrentino Family, Joe and Delores Mantz, Noll Family, Vivian Coyle, Martin Family, Billy and Jackie Weaver, Smith Family, Sal? Spirit Shoppe, Corner Deli, Cindy and George Zelenbach, Peggy, Colis and Becky Moore, Paul and Diane Brant, Mohn? Florist, Doreen DiMaria, Doreen and Scott Lessing, Devon DiMaria, Siobahn Burke, Denise DiMaria, Dana Zampella, Brittany Kennedy, Lindsay Bechtle, Danielle Schleck, Mike and Barbara Gillen, Jackie Vill, James Kim, Rosemary, Anthony, Rocco and Jordan Petriello, Maria and Eduardo Ferraro, Debra Moreno, Jeanne McElvee, Salon De La Pere employees: Lisa, Claudia, Ashley, Chrissy and Cathy Smith. A very special thank you to Riley School for donating the Pajama Day proceeds to this project.

If anyone was omitted from this list, Shirley extends her regrets and appreciation for their kindness and generosity.