The date has been set for this year’s Salem Community Thanksgiving Dinner. It will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, from ten to 12:30 at the Apostolic Church at Mills Cart and Airport Roads.
Chris Watkins of Saved with Amazing Grace is coordinating the effort with the host Apostolic Church along with the Grace United Methodist Church and Salem Recreation Department.
Watkins says delivery will once again be available, but he’d like to see more people dine in at the Apostolic Church.
“It’s a free dinner at the Apostolic Church for everyone in the community. There’s no charge,” Watkins said. “We encourage people to come in, sit down and eat in fellowship. Right now, there are a lot of things going on, not just in our community but around the world, period. Sometimes it’s good just to sit and talk to people about some things that are going on in your life and just know that you’re not the only one going through those things.”
Watkins says 135 turkeys were smoked and prepared last year and he expects a similar number this year. He notes the cost of turkey keeps rising and he anticipates the cost of the meat this year will be about $2,000. Donations are being taken towards the cost of the turkeys. Donations of dressing and corn, or money to pay for them, are also being sought.
Once again this year, 500 meals will be delivered to the Centralia Community Youth Center and Centralia Recreation Complex for distribution.
Drop off locations for food and monetary donations are the Apostolic Church, Grace United Methodist Church and Country Creek Treasures on East Main Street downtown.
Blankets are also being sought to be given to those in need during the Thanksgiving Dinner. Donation boxes are out at Walmart, Dollar General, Yardley Auto, Salem Hospital, Marion County Horizon office as well as at the Apostolic and Grace United Methodist Church.
For meal deliveries or blanket donations, you may call the Apostolic Church at 618-548-3438.
