What are your Thanksgiving plans?

Last year was my first Thanksgiving back in Topeka (we moved back the weekend after Thanksgiving in 2007).  I was listening to the radio a few weeks before Thanksgiving and heard of the need for volunteers for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  I wondered what this event was and how I could help.  I called the number, offered to volunteer, and reported for duty on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving.  We were a group charged with setting up the dining hall.  First a couple of kids and I filled the sugar/sweeter boxes and set one on each table.  Then some Girl Scouts and I set out place-mats and centerpieces.  I was only there for a few hours, but it felt good to be part of something so huge. 

In 2008, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner served 975 meals eaten inside Ag Hall, 430 meals were served to-go,  and delivered 1,320 meals (according to CJOnline).  This year’s dinner is on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26th) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Agricultural Hall (Kansas Expocentre).  Every community member is welcome (no income requirement) to join the community for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

This year they need your help to ensure that the 42nd annual event is a success.  You can help by giving food, money, or your time.  Non-perishable food items (e.g., instant potatoes, canned jellied cranberries, canned candied yams, box stuffing mix, canned green beans, canned chicken broth, coffee grounds, canned evaporated milk, etc) can be dropped off at any Topeka Fire Station any time of day from now until November 22.  Food donations can also be made at Agricultural Hall, Kansas Expocentre from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m November 23 through November 25.  Cash or check donations can be made at any CoreFirst Bank & Trust location.  Checks can also be mailed to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation at PO Box 432, Topeka, KS  66601.

If you would like to volunteer your time there are many things you can do to help out.  Food preparation is scheduled to begin the Monday before Thanksgiving.  Volunteer opportunities range from cooking preparation, serving, kitchen help and meal delivery for home-bound meal recipients.  Volunteers can sign up through United Ways 2-1-1, toll free number.

Since my family does not need me to prepare anything for our Thanksgiving meal, I will have time in the morning on Thanksgiving Day.  I have volunteered to deliver meals on Thursday morning.  I will be there at 9:45am and hope to see you there.  Let’s make this years Community Thanksgiving Dinner a huge success!

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