If you’ve not yet made plans for Thanksgiving, find yourself without a place to go, or just don’t want to deal with cooking and cleanup, there’s another option. The 10th annual Community Thanksgiving meal will take place Thanksgiving day from noon until 3 pm at the First Congregational Church.
Setting the Table
Community Thanksgiving Dinner has been sponsored by Lowell area churches throughout the years. Other community partners include Flat River Outreach Ministries, Heidi’s, King Milling, and Meijer. Additional funds needed to put on the dinner are raised through individual and group donations.
All are welcome to partake in the event, led by the same group which brings Lowell’s Open Table to the community each Thursday. Their meaning and philosophy is the same for Thanksgiving. “Lowell is such a giving community and the Community Thanksgiving meal is a way for us all to come together and share in that giving spirit. It is such a wonderful experience to share a beautiful, traditional meal with so many amazing and giving people.” says Shannon Hanley, President of Lowell’s Open Table board. Come as you are, have a meal without preparation or cleanup, and spend time with friends and family within the Lowell community.
More than 50 volunteers helping throughout the week and day of the meal will be ready to welcome guests. More than 200 people are anticipated this year. The Lowell community is an extension of family for Hanley explaining why she spends her thanksgiving volunteering. “My family has always had a big thanksgiving, now we come here and there is the same warm spirit, same delicious food and some fun! We just get to share it at a bigger table with more people!”
Giving Back
The volunteers who help each week with Lowell’s Open Table and now preparing for a 10th Community Thanksgiving ask for nothing in return other than to provide a free healthy meal, companionship, and sense of community when coming together. However, those who come to partake in a meal often find themselves volunteering time to serve. Hanley says there’s something about being served by and serving during a meal.
During a fundraising dinner and silent auction at the Harvest Gathering farm-to-table dinner in September over $4,000 was raised by the community for the organization. Monetary donations are welcomed any time to continue Open Table’s efforts in providing the community with a healthy meal and place to gather.
RSVP
In addition to a free Community Thanksgiving dinner, free transportation to and from the event is available so no one is left out. An RSVP by calling 616-897-5906 is requested so enough meals can be prepared. If transportation is needed it can be indicated at this time.
The First Congregational Church, located at 865 Lincoln Lake SE, will have it’s doors open for everyone Thanksgiving day. From noon until 3 pm a hot meal consisting of all the traditional Thanksgiving dishes will be served. And if November 23 is full on your calendar, Lowell’s Open Table serves a free meal every Thursday from 5 pm – 7 pm.
When asked what is needed for this event and other meals provided by the organization, it wasn’t money or volunteers which were most important to Shannon Hanley. “The very BEST way is to sign up to attend! Be a part of this free community event where we can sit down with our neighbors and friends and celebrate all that is great about this wonderful community.” she responded. The table will be set. Will you be there?
Photos are from last year’s event, provided by Shannon Hanley and used with permission.
Leave a Reply