It was an event to remember for the Family Connection Center, which operates facilities in Bountiful and Clearfield.

On Nov. 17, the center hosted its second annual "Partnership of Hope for the Future" Thanksgiving event for those in need, with more than 100 families in attendance. Families were provided with a Thanksgiving, full-course meal as well as workshops designed to encourage budgeting, healthy living and education.

The New Harvest Church in Clearfield and the Wasatch Community Church provided space, time and volunteers for the event, which lasted from 9:15 a.m. to about 3:45 p.m. that afternoon. For this year's event, over 1,000 turkeys were donated through the Utah Food Bank along with additional food for a family-style buffet. The two churches were able to raise cash to donate to the Food Bank. The meal itself was run purely by volunteers from the two churches. Families were provided with lunch and classes to try and help them get back on their feet for Thanksgiving.

"Everything went extremely well and the people were very excited," said Family Connection Center advisory board member Danyelle Falcione. Last year, there were a little under 300 people, and this year saw some new families who came mostly for the classes available.

Getting some type of education was one of the main focuses for the classes and workshops that were offered. The Davis Applied Technology College gave details on how people can receive an education in a specific field in one to two years. They talked about what programs were available and how to apply for financial aid. Weber State University talked about classes and programs they have to offer and about what getting an education can do for parents and their families.

Davis Workforce Services was also on hand to help parents in need of a job to fill out and hand in applications. They also conducted mock interviews. CityGroup was there to provide budgeting classes for parents. "A lot of the people came just for the education and job presentations," said Falcione.

The Family Connection Center started "Partnership of Hope for the Future" in 2006 in response to the growing need of community support for families who can't quite make it themselves or simply need a little extra boost.

With the additional volunteer help this year, more families were able to get more of what they needed. MountainStar Medical came to do blood typing. The sheriff's office helped to put together child ID kits with free electronic fingerprinting. There were also coats handed out to children who needed them. Fran Brown School of Beauty was there to offer free hair cuts for parents and children. The New Harvest Church helped to make crafts and decorations for families to take home with them. "For most of the families, it helps so much just to save them a little money by getting five or six free hair cuts," said Falcione.

A type of daycare was provided for parents who wanted to attend the workshops available and needed a place for their children to stay.

Vouchers from the new Family Connection Center Thriftstore were handed out for food as well as outfits. Families received one outfit voucher per child. Then the turkeys were handed out. Families received their free Thanksgiving turkey along with a bag of food to last them for five days.

"We are glad to have the new families come by, and people were already asking when the next event is," said Falcione.