Donning a hairnet is one of Judy Haudenschield's favorite Thanksgiving traditions.
For the past 10 years, Mrs. Haudenschield has spent the morning with her hair tucked under a net and a scoop in her hand. This year, she manned the mashed potatoes.
She and her family were among the line of volunteers serving a holiday meal at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton on Thursday.
"Our family has really grown a lot and appreciated all that we had and the opportunity to help," she said. "It's helped our sons be really sensitive to the needs of others."
Mrs. Haudenschield, along with her husband, Jeff, and two sons, David, 15, and Chris, 13, got their start because of a kinship with the St. Francis facility.
"My father helped start the original kitchen years ago," Mrs. Haudenschield said. "We've been offered to go other places, but we never go because this is our tradition."
The Haudenschield family practice was picked up by another crew, the Horvath family.
Bob and Chrissie Horvath, of Clarks Summit, have been volunteering with their three sons, Danny, 17, David, 15, and Robby, 10, for the past five years after the Haudenschields told them about the event.
The best part is "just giving back and helping out the less fortunate," Mrs. Horvath said.
Standing behind the serving line, Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi surveyed the volunteers and diners.
"I'm just looking out and we have so many reasons to be thankful to Almighty God for many blessings," he said, listing life, food, friends and peace.
There is "no greater honor" than helping others, he added.
It was the first time Scranton resident Henry Rivera had enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal at St. Francis and he said he would be coming again.
"It's Thanksgiving," he said, grinning. "I know they feed (you) pretty good here."
Mr. Rivera explained that he had lived in New Jersey and New York and that Scranton was his "last stop." Standing next to a table of friends, he said he was pleased that the group could enjoy a meal together.
"I think they came because they're down and out like us," he said, a smile spreading over his face. "They're enjoying themselves and so am I."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter