Desserts, sides still needed for community Thanksgiving dinner

There will be plenty of turkey for those who visit Evangel United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center on Thursday for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, according to dinner organizer Freda Galer.

“We’ve got all the turkey cookers,” Galer said. “I’m going to have four people cooking two turkeys each.”

However, there are still some food items needed for the community dinner, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Family Life Center, 227 Pennsylvania Ave. Items still needed include three gallons of baked beans, four gallons of sweet potatoes, 17 salads, 18 pies and 14 cakes.

“That’s really unusual, because that’s usually one of the first things we get,” Galer said of the lack of cake donations.

Galer also noted she has no shortage of volunteers for setting up, serving and cleaning up after the Thanksgiving dinner.

“I’ve pretty well got enough volunteers. I’ve had to tell people I’ll call them back if I need them,” she said. “Some of the volunteers do it every year, but I’ve got a few new ones this year.”

As always, the Thanksgiving dinner is open to all, regardless of age, hometown, income bracket or religious affiliation, as it has been for several years. It’s also open to all those who may not feel like cooking a big meal or “if they just want some company,” Galer said.

To make a food donation or pledge volunteer services for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, or to reserve a delivery meal, call Galer at 364-4160. Those seeking delivery meals are strongly encouraged to call Galer in advance of the meal, it was reported.

Monetary donations also are being accepted for the dinner; contact Francis DeVader at 364-2507 for more information.