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Picture perfect: Local family gathers for unique Thanksgiving dinner at VFW

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LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Everyone wants to spend the holidays with their family, but not all get the chance.

Mona Jones and some of her family spend their Thanksgiving holiday at the VFW Post 5789 in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

"It's nice, really nice because I don't have to be in the kitchen all the time," Jones said.

Since 2011, the Jones family has been eating at the VFW, but with a special centerpiece on the table.

Jones has a photo of her two great grandchildren, Parker and Marley, who are with their parents in Iowa.

The photo allows Jones to gather with her grandchildren, even though they're hundreds of miles away.

Behind all of the cooking at the VFW is Paula McKinley. For the past 12 years, she's been cooking up a storm for the crowd.

"So, we've done 11 turkeys, 11 hams, 60 pounds of potatoes," McKinley explained.

For the past 40 years, the VFW has been hosting dinner. It's a complete Thanksgiving meal for anyone who needs it.

"It's like one big happy family here," McKinley said.

With her 89th Thanksgiving dinner down, Jones said she plans on spending many more at the VFW.

"I said, I got to live to be 102, I've got too much to do," she said.