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November 23, 2009

Anonymous The Joplin Globe Mon Nov 23, 2009, 09:37 PM CST

By Susan Redden

sredden@joplinglobe.com

Area residents don’t have to cook or pick up a check to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.

Turkey and all the trimmings will be served to anyone who wants a meal at holiday dinners sponsored by churches and other groups throughout the region.

Planners of several dinners say they expect the economic downturn to translate to a larger turnout.

n Those who wish can start their holiday feasting early with a Thanksgiving brunch starting at 9 a.m. at Souls Harbor, 915 S. Main St. in Joplin.

A “breakfast smorgasbord” will be served, said Joan Lewis, director. She said planners decided to offer an early meal “because there were so many dinners already scheduled.”

n The Joplin Salvation Army will serve Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. at the organization’s headquarters at 320 E. Eighth St.

About 300 meals were served last year, and Leslie Grissom, kitchen manager, said organizers are planning for about 350 people this year “because of the economy.”

Area residents who want to help can take food in advance or volunteer that day, Grissom said.

“We can always use turkeys and pumpkin pie,” she said. “The culinary department at Franklin Tech has baked 30 pumpkin pies for us, but I know we’ll need more.”

Volunteers who want to help on Thanksgiving Day may show up at 10 a.m. to help with the meal or to serve as “extended family” for homeless people and others who dine.

n The First United Methodist Church of Joplin will have its 12th annual Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center at Fourth Street and Moffet Avenue.

Main dishes will be cooked at the church, and church members will provide salads, side dishes and desserts. Last year, about 500 meals were served, said Vanessa Vigneaux, administrative assistant at the church.

n The First Presbyterian Church of Webb City will serve its 15th annual community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. in the church annex at Broadway and Ball Avenue.

In addition to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, the meal will include desserts made by church members, said Lloyd Evans, lay pastor. About 150 residents normally are served at the meal, he said.

n The First Baptist Church of Webb City is putting on a holiday dinner for the first time this year, with the meal set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the family life center at 102 N. Roane St. The meal is free. Reservations are requested by today and may be made by calling the church at 417-673-4655.

The women’s ministry of the church organized the dinner after first discussing the possibility of having a meal for church members who are alone for the holiday, said Lori Harter.

“But with the economy the way it is, we decided we want to be an outreach and a service to the community,” she said. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve received.”

n The Carthage Crisis Center will have its annual Thanksgiving Day family dinner from noon to 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church at Seventh and Main streets. There will be music in addition to the traditional meal.

People who want to volunteer to help with the meal or help with food may call Marilyn or Brian Bisbee, center directors, at 417-358-3533. Those who need transportation or a meal delivered are being asked to call the center by Wednesday.

South Joplin Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1901 S. Pearl Ave., has put on a holiday dinner for years. The meal has been canceled this year because of flooding in the church basement.

Turkey tales

An estimated 250 million turkeys are expected to be raised in 2009 in the United States. At 45 million, Minnesota tops the list of states involved in turkey production, followed by North Carolina, 37.5 million; Arkansas, 28 million; and Missouri, 21 million.

Source: Infoplease.com