Immigrant Families Get First Taste Of Thanksgiving
by Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Around 200 immigrant and refugee families got to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal together in Center City Philadelphia Saturday afternoon.
The families sat around tables in the basement of the Arch Street United Methodist Church, enjoying all the staples like turkey, stuffing, and vegetables, along with tastes of home.
For many in attendance, it was their first taste of one of America's oldest holidays.
"Its nice. I feel like I'm at home. I feel everybody's a brother, it's a brotherhood, so I feel really great. I feel good," said Pascal.
Pascal has only been in the U.S. for 3 months. He and his family are adjusting after coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The meal was the 12th of its kind put together by Nationalities Service Center, which helps immigrants and refugees like Pascal and his family get acclimated to their new home.
Alicia Karr is the group's Board Chair, and she enjoys seeing the reaction many of the families have to the Thanksgiving spread.
"Someone will put on some music, and everyone gets up and dances. Which is great. That's the way it is in my family too," said Karr.
Karr says NSC helps families get access to health care, jobs, and find support networks, but they are always in need of donations like winter clothing and everyday household items.
