The Great Bend Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team spent Wednesday morning preparing and serving food at in the Hungry Heart Soup Kitchen at the Central Kansas Dream Center.

Coach Kyle Jeffrey said that when he first approached the girls about being part of the Thanksgiving dinner served at the center, the girls were excited to be able to give back to the community. As the day started, the girls quickly learned how to make green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and turkey stuffing. As the day progressed, the girls learned the true meaning of giving as so many of the approximately 150 people served expressed their gratitude and shared some of their stories with the team.

“It is so easy to take for granted the things we have at home and experiencing how grateful everyone that we served today was, makes me more thankful for being able to be a part of this today,” team member Katie Kuhlman commented.

Coach Jeffrey was amazed by how incredible the girls were serving and interacting with the members of the community who enjoyed the meal.

“None of these girls had an idea of what to do or expect when we arrived this morning but they all jumped in and took over like they had been doing this all their lives,” he said. “I am so proud to be able to coach a team that battles for a win on the court and effortlessly gives so much off the court.”