Organizers of the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner are seeking donations and volunteers for the upcoming holiday meal.
Chairpersons Mark and Sheila Zachary have mailed letters to past donors asking for continued support. They also are urging new donors and volunteers to get involved with this long-standing community tradition.
Last year, more than 1,000 meals were served, and the Zacharys anticipate serving the same amount this year, if not more.
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner will take place Nov. 26 at the First United Methodist Church, 212 E. Wabash Ave. It is open to the public and a free-will offering will be accepted.
The menu includes a traditional meal of turkey, noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, applesauce, cranberry sauce, rolls and an assortment of desserts and beverages.
Organizers estimate the following food donations will be needed: 50 cooked and carved turkeys; 50 6 lbs. 5 oz. cans of green beans; 30 26.7 oz. boxes of Hungry Jack instant potatoes; 30 6 lbs. 5 oz. cans of applesauce and cranberry sauce; 100 dozen rolls, pies and an assortment of desserts. Other items needed to make the mashed potatoes, noodles and dressing are chicken broth, evaporated milk, onions and celery.
All other food items, as well as paper products, will be purchased from monetary donations.
Approximately 50-60 volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of ways. Prior to Thanksgiving Day, volunteers are needed to help with food preparation, wall and table decorations and dining room set-up. On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers are needed to work a variety of shifts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to prepare and serve dining room meals, prepare carry-out meals, deliver meals to home-bound, seat and serve guests, clean and reset tables and clean-up the facility.
As always, the holiday meal will begin with a community worship service from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Seating for the worship service begins at 11:45 a.m.
Home deliveries will begin at 10:30 a.m. and transportation services will begin at 11:30 a.m. The meal will be served from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the church.
This community ministry is built on knowing God making Him known, said the organizers.
The Zacharys added this community ministry is built on God — “Knowing Him. And Making Him Know. And each year what opportunities He gives us at the dinner to share Him, His love, His grace and His provisions. He has shown us that the success of this event is directly related to the dedicaiton of following his guidance, the generosity from area churches, and from the commitment of His children.”
To volunteer one’s time or services or to make a food donation or to arrange home delivery, call the Zacharys at either 765-376-9624 or 765-376-4365 or Remy Swinford at 765-367-1640 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Financial support also is appreciated. Contributions may be mailed to the Community Thanksgiving and Outreach Inc., P.O. Box 23, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Make all checks payable to “Community Thanksgiving and Outreach Inc.”
