A blessed bunch: Kidz Klub displays an attitude of gratitude at Community Center feast

The Kidz Klub, an after-school program which is made up of about 40 children from Destin Elementary School from kindergarten to fifth grade, is held at the Destin Community Center Monday to Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The children do crafts, homework, learn manners and play games.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, the group had an early Thanksgiving dinner and after stuffing themselves with turkey, potatoes and stuffing, the children took turns sharing what they were thankful for this year.

7-year-old Darbi Fraser, a second grader at DES has a lot to be thankful for this year — "this planet, God, Jesus, my dogs and all of the plants and trees in the world that make oxygen so we can breathe."

"Video games, food and fishing," said 10-year-old Ian Bigler of what he's most thankful for this year.

After enjoying her corn, 8-year-old Ella David said she was thankful for her family, Jesus, God, her dogs and her cats.

Karen Parrish, one of the recreational assistants at the Destin Community Center served the early Thanksgiving dinner to the eager children.

Lisa Firth, the manager of the community center and Kidz Klub organizer served the turkey to the gobbling group of kids.

An example of the more than 30 thankful cards the kids made and read after dinner.

8-year-old Jordyn Powell said she is thankful for the great family and friends she has.

“I’m thankful that the Indians and the Pilgrims could be friends so Thanksgiving is real,” said 6-year-old Taylor Knaepple.