Plans for community Thanksgiving dinner under way

As the temperatures and the leaves begin to fall in the Holton area, the hopes for a good turnout for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner — as well as enough donations of food to feed those who take advantage of the holiday dinner — begin to rise.

Dinner organizer Freda Galer said several food items, including 13 cooked and deboned turkeys, are needed for this year’s dinner, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26 — Thanksgiving Day — at Evangel United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. Volunteers also are being sought to help with the dinner.

Galer and others involved with the annual Thanksgiving dinner — which moved last year from its longtime home at the St. Dominic Catholic Church parish hall to EUM because more space was needed for the annual Community Christmas Dinner — also are hopeful for a better turnout than in previous years.

In the past, the community events had averaged about 300 dine-in, carry-out and delivery dinners served per year. But in 2012, the numbers began to decline, with fewer than 265 dinners served that year; last year, the total fell to about 250.

But with the community’s help, Galer said, the dinner will still be a success. She emphasized that the annual Thanksgiving dinner, as it has been in the past, is still open to everyone — regardless of their age, income, residence or religious affiliation.

In addition to the 13 turkeys listed above, the food list for the dinner includes three 10-pound hams; six gallons each of corn, green beans and sweet potatoes; five gallons each of baked beans and instant potatoes; 26 pounds of stuffing; six fruit salads; 11 vegetable salads; 24 dozen rolls; 17 cakes and cheesecakes; and 30 pies. Volunteers also are sought to help set up the Family Life Center, serve the dinner and clean up after it is over, Galer said. 

To make a food donation or pledge volunteer services for the upcoming Christmas 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.