Annual Thanksgiving dinner is about more than just a meal, organizers say

A local tradition will continue again this year with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Montgomery County Health and Civic Center.

Organizers served about 400 meals last year—about 125 in-person, the rest by delivery or carryout, said Miranda Crouch, who helps put the event together.

They are expecting about the same number again this year.

The festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast of donuts, pastries and coffee.

The dine-in meal will begin at 11 a.m. 

On the menu is turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, cranberry sauce and rolls. The turkey and mashed potatoes are being catered by The Corner Store.

Desserts include pecan pie, pumpkin pie, cake and cookies. Drinks include lemonade, Ale 8s, tea or water.

Carry out will be 12:30-1 p.m. or until food runs out. There is a limit of two meals per person.  Deliveries will be made to the sheriff’s office, police dept., dispatch, jail staff and fire dept.

“Our primary focus is on the homeless, elderly or shut-ins in the community,” Crouch said.

Volunteers are still needed to staff the event. Singers and musicians are invited to perform for the crowd.

Crouch said the event is a great opportunity for the public to come together and fellowship with one another. 

“The dinner is about more than just a meal, it’s about bringing people together and sharing laughter and gratitude as a community,” Crouch said. “Community members are encouraged to come early, enjoy the fellowship and celebrate the holiday together.

“Each year we see new faces and familiar ones and it reminds us of what our community really means to us,” she added.

Crouch said volunteers enjoy the meal as much as the recipients do with some coming back every year.

The event is sponsored by Grace Communion-Mt. Sterling, in cooperation and with support of the Montgomery County Ministerial Association, local churches, businesses and individuals.

Crouch said the event would not be possible without the support of the community and its contributors.

The event has been held every year since 2001 except for one year during the COVID pandemic.