Volunteers set out an array of soups, chowders, chilis, breads and desserts on Jan. 8 to say thank you to the city workers and community servants.
The annual Community Workers Luncheon is a yearly labor of love by the members of the 19th Century Club that brings people together inside the Pilot Point Community Center.
'It gives us a chance, of course, to express our appreciation [for] the fire, the city and everybody,' Club President Paula McCoy said. '... We have a lot of people here who are volunteers in other organizations, and it's great that they all turned out. We love our city.'
Long-time residents and staff members mingled with new faces from the police and fire department.
'I always appreciate it when they come together,' Point Police Department Sgt. Andy Biggs.
Biggs, who has been to the luncheon before, found a tray so he could grab his food more efficiently.
'I know I'm going to get more than two bowls, and I've only got two hands, and I know they have trays in this building,' he said.
Firefighter Darien Anderson is new to Pilot Point, and seeing the effort the 19th Century Club poured into the luncheon made an impression on him.
'It means the world,' he said. 'I appreciate it.'
For Cheryl Alford, who has served as part of the 19th Century Club for years, the luncheon is a way to show her love and appreciation for the people who serve her home.
'This means so much to us for our guys and girls,' she said. 'And when it brings everybody together, it just—everything meshes, and everybody gets along. It's kind of like Christmas.'
She is also passionate about finding ways to expand the club so the good work it does can continue as it has since 1898.
'We're scared to death because so many have dropped out [of the club] because they belong to so many other different things, and we're having trouble getting officers,' she said. '... I would hate it if our club folded because we're so community- oriented that I don't know what we're going to do.'
For more information about the organization, visit Nineteenth Century Club of Pilot Point on Facebook.
'It's so easy to join,' Alford said.
Cindy Kennedy, who is a member of the 19th Century Club and who volunteers with several organizations throughout Pilot Point, spoke of the value of the luncheon.
'I don't think we do this often enough for people who do work in our city and in our community all day, every day, so I think it's a wonderful opportunity to gather and to say thank you,' she said.
