St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and Grace’s Kitchen are preparing for the 28th annual Community Thanksgiving Meal – marking nearly three decades of providing holiday dinners to the community. This year’s meal will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Reservations are required and can be made online at www.stbarnabascortez.org/events. Pickup slots for individuals and families may also be scheduled by phone or email.
The cutoff for reservations is noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Residents unable to leave home may request delivery by registering no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 24.
Last year’s gathering saw a record, with volunteers serving more than 700 people – exceeding the initial estimate of 600.
Planning began more than a month before Thanksgiving, with volunteers gathering after Sunday services. After deboning and cleaning around 30 turkeys, volunteers produced 201.5 pounds of meat for community members in need. In the final week, groups of eight to 12 assembled sides, packaged pickles and olives, and sliced pies.
The 2024 menu featured turkey with stuffing, green beans, sweet potato crisp, individual containers of cranberry sauce, and pies labeled apple crumb, pecan and cherry.
The operation has expanded since serving just over 200 people seven years ago.
“You don’t have to be homeless to come eat, you just need to be hungry,” Amanda Atkins told The Journal last year.
Organizers are still accepting volunteers and contributions for this year’s meal. Contact the church office at office@stbarnabascortez.org or 970-565-7865 to volunteer or donate.
