Powerhouse Community Development Corporation

The late, Almeta Crayton. (Almeta Crayton's Community Programs FB page)

"A Time to Give Thanks" has served hundreds of hot meals at Columbia Senior Activity Center. This year Powerhouse Community Development Corporation's CEO and founder Charles Stephenson stepped up to continue the Columbia tradition.

Different Name, Same Mission

Last Thursday, Nov. 25, the Columbia Senior Activity Center was filled with people for the "A Time to Give Thanks" Thanksgiving Meal. As initially reported by Columbia Missourian, these people gathered for the sit–down or takeout meal options provided by Powerhouse Community Development Corporation, Veterans United Foundation, and other community donors.

Originally known as the "Everybody Eats" and was free for all, Almeta Crayton started this Thanksgiving feast in 1997. She passed away in 2013; her godson continued what she started until he passed away last year,2020.

For this year, Charles Stephenson, CEO, and founder of Powerhouse Community Development Corporation, took the responsibility of continuing the Columbia Thanksgiving tradition.

Last October, upon learning that there were no plans to hold the annual feast, Stephenson accepted the call to action.

The non – profit organization under his leadership is a perfect fit to continue Crayton's legacy. Stephenson and the organization empower members of the community. The organization made this possible through various initiatives, including youth engagement programs, food assistance, and supporting victims of domestic violence.

Through its funding, the support of the Veterans Foundation, and donations from the community, the Annual Thanksgiving event pushed through.

Now with a different name – "A Time to Give Thanks."

Stephenson estimated that their group had served around 1,000 people through dine-in meals, take–outs, and deliveries. Meals were delivered to essential workers, senior living centers within the area, and homeless centers.

"A Time to Give Thanks" was able to bring together members of the community. Some volunteers had served regularly in this holiday event, previously known as "Everybody Eats."

Moreover, volunteers from all over the United States showed up to give support for this event. These volunteers include those a part of the AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps is a network of service programs that works with organizations in serving communities. A team has been working in Columbia since late October. The group is helping Afghan refugees settle in the area.

Stephenson is hopeful about sponsoring the event if the original foundation cannot.

Almeta Crayton

As narrated on the tribute for Crayton, she was a dedicated member of Fairview Road Church of Christ. Crayton was also a First Ward Councilwoman of Columbia and a loving mother.

On top of it all, she was a woman who fought courageously to change lives in the community positively.

Among her most significant contributions in Columbia is an annual event called "Everybody Eats." Through this initiative, Crayton ensured that all could eat a decent meal on Thanksgiving Day.

Each year, she asked members of the community to provide food packages for the needy. The City of Columbia lost one of the very important members of its community on Oct. 8, 2013. She was 53.

Crayton passed away due to preexisting kidney and heart problems.