Gregory E. Poling, president of Grace Davison, the company's operating segment, called Warfield "an institution" at the Curtis Bay plant and said she is "not shy" about getting corporate leaders involved in her project. He has helped pack and deliver the feasts for a few years now.
"It's terrific," he said. "It's good for the community, and it's good for people at the plant."
Although Warfield has plenty of volunteers to deliver the food these days, she likes to save a few meals to deliver personally. Accompanied by her daughter and her 10-year-old grandson, Warfield set off for Washburn Avenue, where Jo-Anne Kodek was standing on her front porch waiting.
Kodek, 61, has been the happy recipient of Warfield's holiday treats since her husband died in 1998. Her disabled son and daughter-in-law and their two children live with her.
"When you're on a fixed income, it's rough," said Kodek, who receives disability payments because of back problems. "I wouldn't have Thanksgiving if it wasn't for Miss Loretta." Looking at Warfield, she said, "You're just wonderful. Thank you so much."
"You know, any time," Warfield said, pulling Kodek into an embrace.
Warfield's family headed to Curtis Bay Elementary School, where they were leaving food for two families who couldn't be home in time for deliveries. At the school, they found Angela Dawson picking up her 5-year-old daughter, Maliya, from after-school care.
Dawson's other girl, 10-year-old Maitaye, smiled broadly as the volunteers loaded the food into the family's car. "I was telling the girls about this," Dawson said to Warfield. "Thank you."
Many of the families send cards and notes of thanks. One she received Tuesday evening says, "We would like to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful gift basket. Without you, we would not have Thanksgiving dinner."
