Adelphi Pool Celebrates Thanksgiving in July to Benefit College Park Food Bank

Submitted by Debra Kushner:

On a glorious evening that felt more like autumn than summer, the Adelphi Swimming Pool celebrated its first annual “Thanksgiving in July.” This inaugural event—complete with a Thanksgiving feast—was centered around a canned food drive to benefit the College Park Food Bank, a local nonprofit that assists members of the local community in times of need.

Dawn Nichols, membership chair of the Adelphi pool crafted the idea for a “Thanksgiving in July” as she was looking for unique food experiences for the pool. When she learned the food bank’s reserves were running low she thought it made sense to combine a food drive with a Thanksgiving themed evening. Last summer as Dawn worked to increase membership she coined the tagline “great people, great pool.” She quickly learned the statement is more than marketing; it really embodies the soul of the Adelphi Pool community.  Dawn said: “when I heard about the need for food at the College Park Food Bank I knew our members would rise to the occasion and help stock the shelves.” And that they did; the food drive on July 25 collected well over 250 canned goods and staples, more than eight large boxes, to help restock the food bank’s dwindling reserves. 

Ms. Nichols has worked diligently throughout the spring and summer to plan exciting events for the members and guests of this community pool located on Riggs Road in Hyattsville. Part of her mission the past few summers has been to supplement the pool’s existing Thursday night “Charlie’s Café” with a week’s worth of dining opportunities at the pool. These food nights allow families to enjoy Adelphi’s late evening hours without the worry and fuss of making dinner. So far this summer Bill’s Backyard BBQ, a local food truck, and the Shanghai Café, both from College Park, have been added to the weekly “dine at the pool” lineup. 

These new vendors were added to a roster that already included a weekly grill night, sponsored by the Adelphi Swim Team, and a Fox’s Den pizza night. Even with four nights a week of dinner options already on the calendar, Dawn promises more guest food trucks are being planned.

When Dawn first approached Bill about catering “Thanksgiving in July” he immediately agreed to participate as the evening’s chef. He designed a special Thanksgiving menu featured smoked turkey and ham with loads of side dishes. Pool members generously brought canned goods and pantry staples to the pool for the food bank collection and they came early since the ever-popular BBQ truck has been selling out quickly each week.

This tight-knit community of just over 300 families and individuals enjoys some of the longest daily hours of a community pool and features a strong, family-orientated swim team. Led by head coach Carl White, a swim team alumnus himself and rising college junior, the Adelphi Dolphins swam to victory as this summer’s Division B Championship with five undefeated meets. Dawn said “the Adelphi Swimming Pool is always recruiting new members that want to join the fun.” Right now you can take advantage of reduced for the remainder of the season. If you are interested, check out the pool online at adelphipool.org.