(Le Mars) — For the past 16 years, Rejoice Community Church of Le Mars has prepared a Thanksgiving meal, all free of charge, and they have served around 600 to 700 people. This year, the church located just south of the outdoor swimming pool, will again prepare a feast as part of the Community Thanksgiving. Adri Riesch is again the organizer of the traditional event.
However, due to the COVID-19 virus, Riesch says the church will conduct the free meal event a bit differently.
Riesch says volunteers will be serving the meal between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. She says this year organizers believe there may be more meals requested because of the COVID-19 virus. She says many people will remain home and not have family members or friends come to visit, so they may not be cooking up a large meal.
The Community Thanksgiving meal will consist of the traditional favorites including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and pie. Riesch offers an idea as to the volume of food that will be prepared to feed more than 600 people.
In addition to the contributions from Hy-Vee and Pizza Ranch, Riesch says she is grateful for all the food donations from various companies, as well as the many volunteers that help with the annual Community Thanksgiving.
Riesch says since its humble beginnings, when the event was originally held at the Le Mars Eagles Club, the number of people served has tripled since moving to the Rejoice Community Church. The organizer of the Community Thanksgiving says due to the coronavirus, this year they will not be able to pick up any people. All meals will either have to be picked up at curbside
at the Rejoice Community Church, or volunteers can deliver the meal to your residence within Le Mars. Riesch reminds people there is no charge for the Community Thanksgiving meal.
(photos are from the 2019 event.)
