Way to Go: Timothy Alford

A Garden City High School senior helped hundreds of local residents have a satisfying -- and filling -- Thanksgiving.

Timothy Alford, 17, and his family worked to donate as many as 400 holiday dinners to local senior citizens who were alone for the holiday.

"It starts in the garage, but it's everywhere by Thanksgiving," Alford, 17, said of the donations. "My favorite part is delivering the meals. It's nice to see how grateful everyone is."

His family started the effort in 1996. They initially hosted dinners three times a year at J.B.'s Pub in Mineola, the family's restaurant.

After it closed in 2001, the headquarters moved to the Alford home in Garden City, where much advance work now is Timothy's responsibility because three of his siblings are away at college, said his mother, Melinda.

Last year, the family spearheaded 259 dinner deliveries, as well as a dinner at St. Mary's Manor in Inwood and distribution of uncooked food to 23 people. Timothy Alford helps to collect and package food and visits with recipients upon delivery.

Donations and delivery volunteers come via word-of-mouth and mentions in local publications, he said. The recipients are found through organizations such as Meals on Wheels.