By: Ryan Duey
On Thanksgiving Day, the First Presbyterian Church in Clay Center will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. This dinner is free to the community and offers a place to congregate and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal for those who may not have special plans.
The dinner will feature a full Thanksgiving meal including: turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, a roll, and pie for dessert.
Holly Chestnut, Co-organizer of the Dinner, said this will be First Presbyterian Church’s 36th year of giving.
“1988 is when we served the first Community Thanksgiving Dinner. At that time, we held it at the Clay Center Armory. A few people from our church saw a need in the community and decided they wanted to start this project up. Since 1989, it’s been served at the First Presbyterian Church here in Clay Center.”
Patrons who are not able to make it to the church can have their meals delivered to their homes. Chestnut said last year they had over 70 volunteers and over 70 pies made and donated for the dinner. They are still searching for volunteers and donations for this year’s dinner.
“Cindy and Laurel Affolter, and myself are the ones in charge of it this year. We have several spots for volunteers. If anyone would like to help, spots are open on Thanksgiving Day or the days ahead of time to make preparations, and if anyone would like to make and donate some pies, that would be wonderful, too!”
If you are interested in volunteering, whether on Thanksgiving Day or the days leading up, or would like to donate food for the dinner call the First Presbyterian Church. Patrons who need a ride to the meal or would like their meal delivered on Thanksgiving Day are also asked to call the church.
