By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Since 1960 the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program has arranged home stays and professional educational appointments in the Geneseo and surrounding areas, including the Quad Cities, for short term international visitors and students. The

GITFP board also works with International House in Chicago to arrange for interested guests and pairs them with hosts in our communities.

The program is in need of host families for Nov. 27-Dec. 1 of this year. Questions and application information is available from Marcia Helke, GITFP Coordinator, at 309-944-4486, or at gitfp60@gmail.com.

Application deadline (see form) for host families is Nov. 11. Applications should be submitted by the deadline to a church representative or to Arlyn & Marcia Helke, 607 South Spring St., Geneseo, IL 61254.

A host informational meeting is planned for Nov. 18 to provide additional details.

Information received from Helke stated that most students are singles, but a few may be couples or have families…”It is a wonderful time to learn about each other’s cultures and make new friends as well. There have been 571 hosts welcoming 2,635 guests over the years and many have remained in contact.”

The students travel by bus from Chicago to Geneseo and should arrive at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, to meet their host families. There will be a potluck meal and program on Saturday, Nov. 30, in Geneseo, and departure from Geneseo is at 2 p.m. sharp on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Helke said, “The rest of the time they should just fit into your family and holiday activities, possibly show them some of the sites in the area and just get acquainted.”

The Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program returned last year with 10 guests, after a three-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.