NRS staff and volunteers looked like they were enjoying the non-stop action on the buffet line.

The National Runaway Switchboard's 5th Annual Holiday Dinner held in conjunction with The Night Ministry hummed with high spirits, Tuesday, November 23rd, as over 60 at-risk youth enjoyed the bounty of the holidays. NRS staff, volunteers and board members both prepared and served an impressive traditional buffet of turkey, ham, dressing, both sweet and mashed potatoes, green beans and an array of irresistible desserts. Jewel-Osco and other community businesses joined NRS donors to provide the essential resources for the successful Thanksgiving feast.

Ranging between the ages of 13 and 21, youth attending the holiday dinner are receiving social service assistance from The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Teen Living Program or Neon Street.

A vibrant talent show mounted by invited youth followed the holiday dinner.

NRS liner volunteers, Jennifer Fischer and Ingeborg Kohler concentrate on their own tasks while NRS Training Coordinator Natalie Smith slices and dices to perfection.

NRS Program Director, Gordon Vance and liner volunteer Katie O'Hara keep a watchful eye on veteran liner Rob Putnam's salad masterpiece.