Rouman Cinema delivers Thanksgiving meals

The Rouman Amusement Company is continuing their commitment to support families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Employees, family and friends of Rouman Cinema personally delivered traditional Thanksgiving meals to 55 families throughout Rhinelander and Oneida County on Monday, Nov. 19.

The spirit of this program allows movie theater employees, who are often teenage students in high school or college, to experience the joy of helping others in a time of need.

"Just because we live in a smaller community, many younger people take it for granted that everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner," said George Rouman of the Rouman Amusement Company and Rouman Cinema in Rhinelander.

He started the program in 1995 by working with the Oneida County Department of Social Services and provided meals to 40 families that year. All meals are personally delivered by theater employees and volunteer members of the community.

Rouman said, "Contrary to what some people may think, poverty doesn't only exist in large urban areas like Milwaukee or Chicago. By having these students personally deliver the meals, they can witness the appreciation and joy as it appears on the faces of the recipients. This experience can have a profoundly positive effect on a young person's life."

Since 1995, more than 4,700 meals have been delivered. As this program continues to evolve, its participants will never forget the message of Thanksgiving and what it truly feels like to be thankful.