Area resident Cindy Parker poses for a picture at Father Marinaro Park. Parker and other volunteers were instrumental years ago in helping get the skate park built at the neighborhood park. Butler Eagle File Photo

Cindy Parker, a resident of Butler Township, was browsing a community Facebook page for the Butler area in early-November when she noticed many people said they could use supplies and foods for Thanksgiving this year.

Parker said she took it upon herself to start collecting foods to give, and plans to continue collecting so she can extend that help to others. While she acknowledged that other churches and community organizations offer Thanksgiving meals, Parker said she wants people to be able to make the food in their own homes.

“When I saw how many there were that were really in need, I decided to make a personal post to help people with anything they need for Thanksgiving dinner,” Parker said Tuesday, Nov. 14. “I think the people just still like to have family in and cook their own turkey and smell their own pie cooking and fresh turkey.

“I think it's important to help people obtain that.”

Parker is pastor of a church she created, Walk In Faith Ministries, which also collects clothing and furniture donations to give to people throughout the year. She said she started this initiative on a personal level, though, and she already found three people to help supply donations.

Ever the go-getter, however, Parker extended this effort to Facebook, and said people have been reaching out to her to offer more help and donations. She said the more donations she gets, the more people she can help have a nice Thanksgiving.

“I know one thing through doing this, when you're opening your heart and helping people in need, God always provides for the need,” Parker said.

Parker said anyone who would like to supply donations to give to others can contact her on her cellphone at 724-968-2018. She also said she will be able to find more people in need to give donations to, should she receive more before Thanksgiving.

“I would go back to the original list of people on the Butler Buy Nothing page,” Parker said. “Last time I was on there, there were about 25 families in need of help.”