Family-Owned Grocery Gives Back To Community In Annual Event
MIDDLE RIVER, Md. (WJZ) -- From free pumpkin pies to early morning football, a WJZ tradition continued today. It all started in the early morning hours in Middle River.
Ron Matz says thanks to a locally-owned supermarket, dozens of people are enjoying a much happier Thanksgiving.
The touch football game in the parking lot at Geresbeck's starts before dawn.
"We do it so we can give something back to the community," said John Stricker, manager of Geresbeck's.
Lining up for free pumpkin pies is also part of this Middle River tradition. The early birds came from near and far. Debbie Martin, of Parkville, was first in line this morning to get a free pumpkin pie.
"I got here at 3:30 a.m. this morning to get a free pumpkin pie," Martin said. "But Thanksgiving is about family and friends. I'm cooking dinner. We're having turkey, vegetables and of course, pumpkin pie."
Thanksgiving morning brings last-minute shoppers, who can't wait to set the table.
"It's a big day for me," said Rhonda White Raub, of Essex. "It's my birthday and Thanksgiving. I cooked up all my food yesterday. I woke up at 5 in the morning and started cooking everything, so today I'm going to relax."
Delta Utility services also provided 25 $100 gift certificates to Geresbeck's and the first 105 people in line also got a free pumpkin pie.
For this family-owned business, it's a time to give back and to celebrate the meaning of the day.
"Folks come here and shop 52 weeks a year," Stricker said, "so it's nice to be able to do something to help things out a bit."
"It's a touch economy and everybody can always use something," he adds.
The Thanksgiving pumpkin pie giveaway is now in its 15th year.
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