Members of Plainfield Christian Church near Indianapolis are preparing to help families in their community by giving them a hearty Thanksgiving meal packed with all the Turkey-day staples and a lot of love. According to The Christian Standard, the church, which has been hosting this Thanksgiving community dinner for 18 years, is anticipating to serve 2,000 meals this year. From prepping boxes and utensils to making the meals and serving them to families in need, more than 180 volunteers are coming together to make it all happen.
The tradition was started by a local chef who passed his recipes on to others to enjoy. To meet the magnitude of this dinner efficiently, the church has an impressive process for getting the job done. On the Sunday just before Thanksgiving, volunteers put together the boxes that will hold the meals, and packaged up silverware. On Monday, volunteers package rolls and cranberry relish, and at night they will begin prepping the vegetables. On Tuesday, volunteers will break up the bread donated from a local company to use for the dressing. The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, is the biggest cooking day when the turkeys are made and sliced. When the big day arrives, the magic happens and everything comes together.
Marsha Huckstep, who organizes the Thanksgiving dinner, shared her gratitude for the amazing volunteers who put in a tremendous effort to pull this all off. Huckstep said, “It’s the people of our church that have put their money out there and said, ‘Yeah, our community needs this.’ I’m just so appreciative of the people of our church to believe in this and to be a help to people.”
With some meals delivered to the doorsteps of families in need, some picked up at the church, and some eaten as a sit-down dinner at a local community center, the blessing of a Thanksgiving meal is reaching many families in need thanks to the work of the church members. The hard work of these volunteers on Thanksgiving reminds us all of the true meaning of the holiday. Finding compassion, love, and care within one’s own heart spreads the joy and love that others need to make their hearts full.