By Hayley Robb, Building Kentucky

More than 150 children in need received a warm Thanksgiving meal thanks to Seven Counties Services, a community mental health center serving Jefferson County and beyond.
Many of the children involved in the program have never experienced the traditional holiday before, so this is a chance to provide them with a new experience surrounded by people who care.
The annual meal is funded through community donations and allows the children and staff to bond with one another. Cravings a la Carted and Colonnade Catering, a Louisville institution, delivered the meals on Thursday.
CEO and President Abby Drane said many of the children come from traumatic backgrounds navigating various emotional challenges.
“We aim to make the day extra special for them around this time of year,” said Drane. “It’s a time when the staff don’t have to be up cooking and trying to prepare a meal, instead they’re spending special time with the children. So, having this catered is extra special to us.”
For the past two years, Seven Counties Services has hosted small intimate Thanksgiving meals instead of the pre-COVID large family-style meal served in the on-campus gymnasium. No matter the venue, the kids get a chance to celebrate.
The menu for the meal included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, corn, pumpkin pie, rolls, salad “and the whole nine yards,” chef Ryan Harvey said.
The catering group spent 72 hours from start to finish, eager to prepare a meal that means so much and one that was a first for so many children this year.
For more information on Seven Counties Services and its Thanksgiving dinner, visit sevencoutniesservice.org.