A 21-year holiday tradition continues for cinema employees
STAR JOURNAL REPORT
A group of Rhinelander co-workers are continuing a Thanksgiving tradition, dating back to 1995. Employees, family and friends of Rouman Cinema personally delivered traditional Thanksgiving meals to 86 families throughout Rhinelander and Oneida County on Sunday, Nov. 20. The spirit of the annual event, according to George Rouman, allows movie theater employees, who are often teenage students in high school or college, to help 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.” 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 have an opportunity to witness the joy and appreciation as it appears on the faces of the recipients. This experience can have a profoundly positive affect on a young person’s life.”
Rouman said the Rouman Amusement Company and Rouman Cinema in Rhinelander began the program 21 years ago 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. Since 1995 nearly 5,000 meals have been purchased and delivered.
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