Saint James Catholic Church and Helping Hand of Hope are partnering again this year to serve Thanksgiving Dinner for those individuals in our community who struggle financially, as well as those who are unable to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for themselves. The dinner will take place on Thanksgiving Day at Saint James Catholic School located at 401 Robinbrooke Boulevard.
More than 400 volunteers will prepare, serve and deliver more than 1,000 meals on Thanksgiving Day.
Those taking part in the offering have an option to dine at Saint James Catholic School between 12 and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For those who are homebound or would rather enjoy the meal in their homes, volunteers will also deliver meals as necessary.
For those interested in taking part in this meal or delivery of a meal, contact Helping Hand of Hope at 270-765-3092 by November 20 to make a reservation.
In addition to serving those in need or homebound throughout the community, Saint James Catholic Church would also like to extend an invitation to all service men and women who may not have family in the area and would simply like to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal alongside others in the community. These individuals should also contact Helping Hand of Hope to make a reservation.
There are many area churches who assist with this project by providing food and offering financial support. These partnering faith communities include First Christian, First Presbyterian, Christ Episcopal, Memorial United Methodist, House of Prayer Lutheran, Immanuel Baptist and Northside Baptist Church.
“I am proud of our parishioners who work so hard to serve those in our community who need assistance,” said Father Martin Linebach, Pastor of Saint James Catholic Church. “In December the Catholic Church begins the Holy Year of Mercy. The tradition of the Thanksgiving Dinner at Saint James emulates a core conviction of the Catholic faith by exhibiting God’s mercy through a corporal work of mercy. Our hope is to make this even more prevalent throughout the year to come.”
The Thanksgiving Dinner started in 1986 with just a few Saint James parishioners who served 48 individuals. Last year, there were nearly 100 volunteers who served 50 meals on site and delivered more than 1,000. In the 29 years that the dinner has taken place it is estimated that 14,000 meals have been served to assist those in our community.
There is still an opportunity to be involved with the Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Volunteers are still needed, to sign up please contact Patti Stith at 270-234-6014. Donations of food or funds can be made by contacting Cheri Ellis-Reeves at 270-268-6246.
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