Thanksgiving for the needy

It takes about 15 turkeys and three huge hams to feed the more than 300 people who are expected to attend St. Anthony's Free Thanksgiving Dinner. On Tuesday these birds stored in Harold Miller's meat shop at Broulim's will be distributed to volunteers, who will cook them in time for dinner Thursday. JOYCE EDLEFSEN/Standard Journal

Published: Friday, November 21, 2008 12:08 AM MST

10th annual St. Anthony event to provide more than free dinners

It's billed as the 10th Annual St. Anthony Free Thanksgiving Dinner.

But it's much more than a meal for those in need and for those want to be among friends and a community that cares about them.

It's also an environment where anyone who would like to can bring their family and enjoy the day by either dining or helping serve others and providing comfort and friendship.

And, it's an event where donations are collected that help keep giving to those less fortunate within the community.

Last year donations also helped provide Christmas gifts and fill needs for more than 150 families. There were funds for gifts for children and the elderly and for much needed food, heating fuel, shoes and clothing to get them through the holidays and the deep of winter, according to Sam Davis of the St. Anthony Lion's Club.

The club and the Free Thanksgiving Committee sponsor the event, but they get a lot of help from the cooks who bake the turkeys and hams, the St. Anthony Work Camp inmates who peel the spuds, the Idaho Juvenile Corrections Center students who serve the meals and other community volunteers who help out.

About 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving volunteers are out putting up signs to direct diners to the meal.

But at 8 a.m. the cold turkeys arrive at the cafeteria to be sliced and put into the warming ovens. Pots of gravy are brewed and the vegetables are cooked. Pies are cut and readied.

"Last year we had so many volunteers that we had to give them a schedule of times to help," Davis said.

Dinner is served from noon to 3 p.m.

More than 300 people were served at the dinner last year, and many more meals were taken to those who couldn't get to the South Fremont Junior High Cafeteria to attend in person.

The club is expecting at least that many again this year.

But one thing is different than last year.

"We're still way short of donations," Davis said.

To donate to the cause, contact Davis at 390-0320, Lyndon Rinehart at 390-6537 or Don Oram at 624-7861.

Checks may be made to the St. Anthony Lion's Club and mailed to Davis at 2245 E 200 North, St. Anthony ID 83445.

JOYCE EDLEFSEN

jedlefsen@uvsj.com

Kiwanis,Q102 hold turkey drive

Starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Rexburg Kiwanis Club and radio station Q102 kicked off their turkey drive with a two-hour live broadcast from the Broulim's Supermarket in Rexburg.

The Rexburg Kiwanis Club will be distributing the donated turkeys to families in need.

Turkeys and cash collected both on-site and by phone in to the station amounted to enough turkeys to help nearly 30 families.

Ted Austin, owner of Q102-KCHQ radio, said in a news release, "This is our first year of trying to help families in need in the Rexburg area with a free turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. Although the result of our efforts was modest today, I'm confident it will grow each year as the community recognizes the need. Thanks to those individuals and businesses that supported the fundraiser this year."

If you would like to contribute to the drive through Wednesday, call Jana Bishoff at 356-9323 or Billy Mac or Austin at 356-7377.

JOSEPH LAW

jlaw@uvsj.com


		Sheriff's clerk suspected of theft in Fremont

Article Rating

Comment Blog

David Loomis wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:05 PM:

" At that time the donations were distributed to those in need in the area. So were the leftover food items.
Similar to what the Lions continue to do.
Thanks, Lions "

David Loomis wrote on Nov 21, 2008 6:52 PM:

" When the first dinner was held in 1999,
it was set up for anyone to come and eat. At that time and through 2005 everyone was encouraged to come if they wanted.
Many older couples and singles came to eat and visit the first few years and for them it became an annual event. They said it was easier to do than cook for one or two.
The money they would have spent they could give to help others. Which was what the dinner was all about. A donation can was set out for those that wanted to make a donation could.
The Lions took the project on after 2005 and have and have continued a very good thing.
Who knows someday this paper may do an article on the 50th St. Anthony Free Thanksgiving Dinner. I hope they do. "

Question-01 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:34 AM:

" I only asked my previous question because I've always wanted to go, but were afraid to because someone would think of me poorly since I'm not really a "needy" person. It's sort of like going to a church soup kitchen and people thinking you're a homeless person. From the article I assume this isn't a "meal for the poor" but rather a fundraiser for other charitable support. It's just the way it's billed that has made me hesitant to go. "

Question-01 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:19 AM:

" I've always had a question about this event. I know people financially better off than I am who go to this for a good meal. Is it more like the Free Fisherman's Breakfast in terms of who eats, or is there some way the hosts determine who the needy are? I kind of wonder about the "needy" emphasis when it comes to donations. "

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

COMMENT RULES
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responible for comments posted on this Web site.

Do not post:

Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
Personal attacks, insults or threats.
The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
Comments unrelated to the story.

If you believe that a commenter has not followed these guidelines, please use our online complaint form.

Thank you for your comments!

Return to: News « | Home « | Top of Page ^