25th Annual Free Community-Wide Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Ames, Iowa – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a spiritual community where all belong and are welcome, is continuing its tradition of hosting the annual Community-wide Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner. This is the 25th year for the feast in Ames, which is free to anyone who would like to come from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church, located at 611 Clark Avenue.

Cathy Krebs, along with her husband Derek, and Doug Clark will chair the feast again this year. Krebs said the event started out with a small group of people who wanted to celebrate the holiday with their minister, who was going to eat a TV dinner for Thanksgiving. 

“It has grown into a wonderful Ames community dinner,” Krebs said. “This is one way I can help make a difference in somebody’s life."

Whoever needs or wants a place to go for Thanksgiving dinner is welcome to attend the free dinner. 

Krebs said there is a mixture of people who typically come, including Iowa State students, the homeless, those visiting family and friends, those who simply don’t have the space to cook for their families, or those who just simply want to share time with others at a “real family” dinner. 

The dinner is served at the church, but there are also the options of having meals delivered or placing an order for meals to pick up. For delivery or pick-up, you should call in advance and schedule a time. Last year the church served close to 500 meals and prepared 92 carry-out and delivery meals. Rides to the church are also available for those who want to join others. The church number to call is 232-5766 for advance scheduling.

The traditional Thanksgiving dinner involves a lot of preparation, and Krebs said she and Derek started planning almost immediately after last year’s feast for this year.

“The community really comes together in donating food, cash money, time and helping with cooking and cleaning,” she said.

In years past, the Iowa Turkey Federation has furnished vouchers to purchase the turkey; however, with budget cuts no funding has been available for the past two years. Krebs said, “no matter, the turkeys have been ordered and we know the meal will still come together. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation is welcome to do so by sending it attention “Turkey and Dressing” to the church. 

Approximately 300 lbs of turkey will be cooked the night before the dinner, and a crew arrives between 5 and 6 in the morning to start peeling 160 lbs of potatoes on Thanksgiving Day. Tofu-turkey is served for those who don’t eat meat, as well as a variety of salads, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, peas and pearl onions, breads and pies.

Volunteers are always needed to help with the event. If you’re interested in helping, either the day before or the day of, call the church office by Thursday, November 17 at 232-5766 and let them know you’re interested. Krebs will contact you with volunteer times and duties available.

Remember, the meal is FREE to all who come and the diners are encouraged to eat all they like. We hope you will consider joining in the spirit of sharing this meal as part of your Thanksgiving gift for the love of our Community of People and of God.

Blessings to all.

Derek and Cathy Krebs, Co-Chairs
Doug Clark, Co-chair

First Christian Church
Mary Jane Button-Harrison, Minister
www.fccames.org
fccames@fccames.org