Business Owner Giving Back
Local Business Owner Provides Thanksgiving Meals For Cheraw Community
By Alexandria Swain
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s the time of year where being grateful is amplified throughout the country. It’s a time to spend with family and friends. There are, however, some people in this world that struggle to keep those connections or make ends meet. Even more so now that there is a pandemic that has swept the globe. Thanksgiving and many other holidays will look quite different this year. Trae Michael, owner of the Allstate agency in Cheraw and Hartsville, South Carolina, is hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner. When is this happening you ask? Next Wednesday, November 25th from 11am – 1pm.
Those who don’t have a way to enjoy a dinner with family or are in need of food can come and get a free meal at the Allstate Cheraw location, 165 Market Street. Michael had an independent agency for 7 years, but in 2018 he switched to Allstate and is the owner. He realized that around this time of year there was a need to help and provide others. So, he and others have come together to be able to do this for the community out of the spirit of giving and kind hearts annually.
Michael and his team have been hosting this event for the past 3 years. In the past, 350 people have participated in the event. This year, they anticipate over 500 people. That’s nearly 10% of the town’s population!
“It’s a way to give back to the community,” says Michael.
This year, Rotary Club of Cheraw and The Wine Factory are both partnering with Allstate to provide these meals. Cheraw Rotary Club will be providing the plates, utensils, etc. The Wine Factory will prepare the food.
“It’s a humbling experience for everyone involved. They really enjoy doing it”, says Michael. There will also be precautions taken due to Covid-19. Everyone will be wearing masks, gloves, and social distancing will take place in single file lines for everyone’s safety. These meals will be given to-go style as well.
Remember, this event is next Wednesday, November 25th from 11am – 1pm. Last year, the food was gone within 45 minutes, so it’s probably best to get there early if possible.
“It is a great way to simply give back to the community. That’s all I want people to know and understand.”, says Michael.
So if you know someone or you are that someone that can benefit from this event it’ll be worth it. Enjoy good food with good people. Happy Thanksgiving!
A special thank you to article sponsors –
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