What does it take to feed more than 400 people Thanksgiving dinner? According to Bob Dunn,  the Boys & Girls Club of South Valley executive director, it takes 17 turkeys, 150 pounds of potatoes, five gallons of gravy, dozens of desserts, and an army of volunteers.

The BGCSV held its annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Murray location on Nov. 18, inviting families involved in the club’s programs from Murray, Midvale and Sandy. 

“This dinner has been going on for at least 20 years,” Dunn said. “I love that families love it, and it gives us all something to look forward to. For a lot of families, this is their Thanksgiving dinner.”

Volunteers helped gather food and cash donations, spent hours cooking turkeys, stuffing and potatoes, and served dinner to the children participating in the BGCSV and their families. Additionally, Harmons Grocery donated $500 worth of gift cards to give participants an extra boost this holiday season.

Rose and Richard Chapman brought their kids Mikaela, 14, and Callista, 7, to the dinner. Callista has been involved with the club for three years and is a first-grade student at Parkside Elementary. She said the best part about the dinner was spending time with her family.

“We do this every year,” Rose said. “Callista likes us to come to the activities here.”

Devina Troester enjoyed the event with her children,  Hunter Dotson, 8, and  Shyloh Dotson, 5.

“It was really good. It was neat to come and be with my kids,” Troester said. “It’s good the club can do this for families who can’t always do it for themselves.”