Hundreds in Wausau community fed Thanksgiving meal

“Every year we have our family together and it is something that I have always enjoyed”, said volunteer Hailey Perry. They spend the year gathering donations then the day before or the morning of Thanksgiving they cook and deliver the meals. “I love to see a community come together”, she said. “They come back year after year”. Over 30 turkeys were cooked, for the home-delivery meals and a sit-down dining experience. “And the fact the church does this makes you feel very appreciative”.

“We are delivering meals provided by Marvin United Methodist Church of Martinez to some people that maybe didn’t have a Thanksgiving meal or don’t have any family to prepare one for them that may be elderly folks or people in need”, Wheatley said.

Thankfully, none of the side dishes or vegetables were involved in this year’s disaster, noted the Rev. Justin Elliott Lowe, church pastor.

Each year, Beilke is amazed at the response.

Grants from two Wal-Mart locations sponsored the food, with other items pitched in from local organizations. “And we were able to purchase things like plates and to-go containers with cash given to us”.

Food preparation began on Monday, Nov. 20, according to Johns, roasting turkeys in time for the big day.

“Well we shot for 600 this year, and I think we’re going to go a little bit above and beyond”, said Black. It is a whole coordinated effort.

Joseph’s Catholic Church did not host their annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

“We come here for friendship and turkey”, Gretchen said.

That strong emphasis on community helped West through a holiday away from home and family.

People who are working are free to pick up a meal. “I’m happy to have the young kids here with us, packing meals, cooking meals and delivering meals.It’s just a fun day”.

Schultz estimated 200 volunteers worked to make this year’s dinner possible.

Margaret Burris: “Her mom gaver a choice of what she might want to do today, and she said, ‘I want to go to Columbia and feed the homeless.’ And I thought that was absolutely wonderful”.

Numerous people who were served Thursday, attended the dinner not only for the food, but also for the compassion and sense of community provided by the CDT.