Join in Thanksgiving celebration

To the editor:

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching and the committee for the 28th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner has again been making preparations for serving a bountiful and festive meal to hundreds of individuals.

Around the tables at Asbury United Methodist Church will be a true cross-section of the community: individuals and families who are unable to commute to a family gathering; some with financial challenges who are unable to prepare the traditional meal for their family; and many who attend this community event simply for the fun, fellowship and the delicious food it offers. If you have never attended, consider making this a new tradition for your family, too.

In addition to the meal and the opportunity to gather with others, there will again be a variety of door prizes and gift certificates to various local businesses. Our intention is to provide a bit of enjoyment and to give the home budget some relief after the holiday is over.

We are looking forward to including the homebound in this holiday tradition by furnishing ample portions of food to help carry them through a long weekend. If you are homebound, we have many drivers who are anxious to deliver a traditional meal to your home. Please call either the Asbury United Methodist Church at (260) 726-8464 or Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at (260) 726-8832 (mornings) with your request. 

If you have your own holiday tradition with your family but would like to lend a hand, please feel free to make an extra dish (in a disposable pan, please) and drop it off at Asbury church either Wednesday afternoon before or Thanksgiving Day morning. Any dish is appreciated, but vegetables are especially needed.

If you want to spend an hour or two assisting on Thanksgiving Day, feel free to contact our chairperson, Carol Smith, at (260) 726-9049. Help is particularly needed from about 3 p.m. to about 6 p.m. as we clean up and put everything back in order. Carol will happily put you to work.

We are inviting the entire Jay community to this annual celebration. We encourage all of you to join us. Even if you cannot be a part of this celebration, we hope your family shares a bountiful holiday filled with joy and peace.

Dolphus Stephens

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Committee