Communities come together for Thanksgiving dinners

MT. PLEASANT — Several communities around Henry County are coming together during Thanksgiving with communitywide dinners.

In Mt. Pleasant, a community Thanksgiving dinner will be held on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

The dinner is open to everyone. It will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, dressing, corn, rolls with butter, cranberry relish and an assortment of pies.

The event is sponsored by Grace Friends Church. Donations came from several faith groups around the area.

Wayland State Bank and KILJ sponsor the pies, which are baked by individuals around Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding area.

Dinner can be delivered to those who are at home. Meals may also be picked up at the church with a prior arrangement.

Reservations are not mandatory, but knowing how many people will partake in the event is important to ensure there is enough food for everyone.

People can contact Ruth Ann at 319-931-2287 to say if they plan to attend in person, have food delivered or picked up.

In New London, they will be hosting the eleventh annual New London Community Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free delivery is available to those in the New London area. Contactless delivery is also an option.

Everyone and anyone can take part in the meal.

The dinner is headed by Annie Powell and Marcus Powell, along with a group of volunteers.

The idea first came from a Bible study group that Powell’s family was involved with. After discovering that people that receive Meals on Wheels don’t get meals on Thanksgiving, they decided they wanted to create an event where they could provide meals.

Powell said that it’s important to have an event like this to help others in need.

“It’s important to have an event like this so that as we enter the holiday season we can show gratitude for what we have been given,” she said. “We want others to know that they don’t have to spend Thanksgiving alone. It’s a great event for the community to get together and celebrate out community.”

Powell says that the meal is for everyone in the community, no matter who you are.

For questions and delivery information, contact Powell at 319-457-0110.

Wayland churches are once again hosting an annual Thanksgiving meal for the community.

Food will be served Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at WACO High School.

For over 15 years, the free dinner has fed over 150 people. Local area churches will provide an assortment of homemade Thanksgiving cuisine.

Dine-in and carry out meals will be offered. Freewill donations are accepted, with all proceeds going back to local food pantries.

For more information or assistance, contact Greg Stacy at 319-471-0576.

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com