(Le Mars) — Preparations are being made for the Community Thanksgiving Banquet to be held Thursday at the Rejoice Community Church in Le Mars.
Adri Ruisch is again organizing the holiday meal which is expected to feed over 600 people. Ruisch, who says she isn’t certain as to how many years she has volunteered to help with the meal, says the annual event got started because of a challenge given to Rejoice Community Church’s congregation.
Ruisch says the first Community Thanksgiving was held to offer a holiday meal to the elderly, and under-privileged, who may not have family, or unable to visit with family members. She says the mission remains the same for today, but over the years, the Community Thanksgiving has grown, and now anybody is welcomed and encouraged to attend. She says families now gather at Rejoice Community Church to celebrate Thanksgiving.
How much food is needed to feed more than 600 people?
Ruisch says all the food is prepared on site at the Rejoice Community Church.
Serving takes place at the Rejoice Community Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until 1:00 p.m. She says deliveries of the Thanksgiving meal starts at 10:30 a.m. Ruisch says about 300 meals are delivered at people’s homes. The entire meal is free.
The Community Thanksgiving organizer and long-time volunteer explains what foods will be featured on the menu.
She says the Rejoice Community Church relies upon the services of many volunteers and businesses for donations in order to have a successful Thanksgiving for the community. Ruisch recites a biblical verse that offers direction for the event.
(photos are from the 2018 event)
