By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of First Presbyterian Church
The Clay Center First Presbyterian Church will soon prepare for its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, set for Thursday, November 27th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Since 1988, members of the church have been providing meals to the community at no cost, giving citizens a place to congregate and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Attendees will enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal including: turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, a roll, and pie for dessert.
Along with dine-in and carry-out options, they also offer delivery to those who cannot make it to the church. Holly Chestnut, Church Secretary, said they served hundreds of meals last year.
“Last year, we had approximately 151 people who dined at the church. We had 56 meals that were carried out from the church, and we delivered 230 meals to the community.”
Members and volunteers deliver meals to first responders, inmates, and homes across the county. Volunteers make this yearly dinner a success. Chestnut said they are looking for volunteers for this year’s meal.
“Cindy and Laurel Affolter and I are the ones who have been organizing this the past few years, and with the help of our church family and community members, we’ve been able to keep this mission alive.”
“We have lots of volunteer spots open for this year’s dinner. If anyone in the community would like to help volunteer, either on Thanksgiving Day or the days prior, to help with preparations, you can call the church office.”
“Last year, we had 77 different volunteers.”
This yearly dinner supports many people in the community, bringing a warm meal and holiday cheer to those they serve.
If you would like to volunteer or need a meal delivered to your home, call the church office at (785) 632-2813.
