County gets ready to give thanks

Local News

November 17, 2008

By James Beaty The McAlester News-Capital Mon Nov 17, 2008, 09:39 AM CST

It’s that time of year again, when the breeze whips the leaves from the trees, temperatures feel a little brisker and operators are ready to take calls for the annual Pittsburg County Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner.

“We’re supposed to have people there today,” said Pittsburg County Assessor Jim Kelley, one of the organizers of the event.

The number to call for anyone who would like to participate is 423-7379. Phone calls will be taken from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Taking phone calls from those who would like to participate aren’t the only preparations getting under way.

“This Friday, we’ll start getting the cornbread ready for the dressing,” Kelley said.

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner began in 1986. With no age or income guidelines in place, the annual event offers a free holiday meal with all the trimmings to any Pittsburg County resident who wants to participate.

Plans call for the dinner to be served around noon on Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 27, at the George Nigh National Guard Armory at Polk Avenue and Third Street. A sit-down dinner will be held inside for those who would like to eat at the armory.

Those who would prefer to take carryout meals home can start picking them up at 11 a.m., Kelley said.

“We’ll have home deliveries for those who cannot go to pick them up,” Kelley said. Volunteers plan to start making the home deliveries around 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for those who are unable to get to the armory.

“If there’s a need in the rural areas, we’ll make sure they get their dinners, as long as they give us good directions,” Kelley said.

However, it’s important for those who want to participate to either make the phone call or complete a written application form so volunteers will know how much food to prepare.

Written application forms are available at senior citizen centers around the county. Kelley said it’s not necessary for those who have completed a written application to make a phone call too, since organizers will already have the information they need.

Most of the dinner is still prepared by state and county officials and employees, along with volunteers from the community.

“We have a host of volunteers,” Kelley noted.

Still, more volunteers are needed.

“If someone wants to volunteer, they can call my office” at 423-4726, he said.

“The big thing we always need help on is having people deliver on Thanksgiving Day.”

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

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