By Brad Ziegler and Kathy Feist
The traditional Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving family gathering has evolved over the eight plus decades since his painting appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. While some of next week’s holiday gatherings will bear a resemblance to that family portrayal, many Thanksgiving celebrations will look markedly different as families, and their circumstances, have changed over time.
Helen Graham, owner of Quinn’s Laundry in south Kansas City, doesn’t have to work on the holiday but chooses to not only open her business for those who need to catch up on laundry, but also bring in food for those who are looking for a holiday meal.
“We enjoy giving back to the community,” she says on behalf of her and her staff. “We have, over the last decade, met a lot of wonderful people in the neighborhood ranging from college students to houseless folks.”
Graham has been hosting this holiday meal at her laundromat for ten years and says that even though she doesn’t have family that she can spend the holidays with, “the people in our community have become our family.”
In addition to running the laundromat, Graham volunteers for Clean Water, which delivers bottled water to the homeless, and Unity Church Southeast where she also interns as a digital cinematographer.
Most of the Thanksgiving diners will come from the houseless community, says Graham. “They obviously have families that reject them,” she says. “I’m in the same situation.”
Tips saved over the past year from laundry services and other donations will go toward purchasing items for the Thanksgiving meal. She plans to have turkey, ham, two large side dishes and dessert.
Graham purchased the business in 2016 and started the Friendsgiving tradition soon after. A professional photographer, Graham initially offered free photo portraits with the meal.
One of her favorite memories is the reaction from the photos. “Some people realized how beautiful they look,” says Graham. “Some never had professional photos taken.”
Quinn’s Laundry is located at 99th and Holmes and offers pick up and delivery as well as full-service and do-it-yourself laundry options. The Thanksgiving buffet is open to all. And donations are welcomed.
“Money is great,” says Graham. “But we would rather have something to turn around and hand out.” She recommends canned goods, gloves, socks and other necessity items.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/quinnsLaundromat.