Jackson County residents in need of a free, hot meal for the Thanksgiving holiday will have two options this year.
Michie’s Diner in Browns-town will work with businesses, volunteers and churches to offer a buffet-style dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. That event also will provide a delivery service out of Browns-town Christian Church.
In its first year, The Alley Kitchen in Seymour will offer a Thanksgiving-style dinner with all the fixings from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
Organizers for both efforts invite anyone who needs a meal to attend.
“We’re feeding the stomach as well as the soul,” said Mike Patton, owner of Michie’s Diner.
Last year, more than 450 meals were served to residents around the county through the Michie’s event, which also involves the Brownstown Ministerial Association.
With that large of a crowd, Patton said, he usually starts preparing a year in advance.
“There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it,” he said, referring to the amount of supplies needed, coordination with volunteers and cooking.
The effort includes preparing and cooking about 20 turkeys, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, dressing and pies.
For those dining in, a buffet will be set up in Michie’s at 216 W. Commerce St., Brownstown.
For delivery, people should call Brownstown Christian Church at 812-358-4172 and give their address, phone number and number of dinners needed.
People place orders for themselves or someone else. For example, Patton said, last year, a woman from out of state ordered one for her mother who lives in Jackson County.
“She was concerned that her mother wouldn’t have a Thanksgiving dinner,” Patton said.
He said meal delivery is especially valuable for those who are sick, elderly or shut in.
Either way, Patton said, the meals served are a way to show the community and others you care about them.
“Last year, there were a lot of people we came across who were happy that someone thought of them,” he said.
Teresa Dunbar, administrator at Brownstown Christian Church, said last year was the first the church and Michie’s teamed up to
offer delivery.
“Michie’s has done this for several years, and it got to the point where his restaurant wasn’t large enough,” she said. “They asked us, and we said, ‘Certainly.’ We want to make sure people have a nice meal for Thanksgiving.”
The church has a kitchen, and volunteers can meet there with their vehicles, ready to pick up and deliver meals.
Dunbar, who volunteered last year, said she foresees the church’s part of the event being more organized this year since they have an idea of what to expect.
“The first year was a little crazy,” she said. “Hopefully, it will go smoother.”
She said it was fun helping the community while working with others who want to give back.
“It’s a blessing for us to be able to do it, to bless others,” Dunbar said.
Patton said they have enough volunteers for the event with about 40 to 50 delivering meals across
the county.
Phone requests will be accepted until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Monetary donations will continue to be accepted.
Others participating in the event include Pewter Hall, Blondie’s Pizzeria and Pub, area businesses, churches and community volunteers.
The Alley Kitchen
The Alley Kitchen started offering meals to the public March 1, so this will be the facility’s first Thanksgiving dinner.
Pastor Rick Wilson said he isn’t sure what to expect in terms of attendance, but the facility can hold about 200, so he welcomes anyone and everyone.
A traditional holiday meal of turkey, sides and drinks
is planned.
“It’ll be the whole nine yards,” Wilson said.
Wilson said they have enough volunteers for
the day.
“I think we’re in good shape,” he said. “We seem to have a lot that are willing to help.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Two local charitable efforts are providing free Thanksgiving dinners to residents in need.
Where: Michie’s Diner, 216 W. Commerce St., Brownstown
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday
Information: 812-358-5444. For delivery, call Brownstown Christian Church at 812-358-4172. Have your address, phone number and number of dinners needed available.
Where: Alley Kitchen, 416 E. Second St., Seymour
When: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day
Information: 812-525-5858
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Pull Quote” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
“It’s a blessing for us to be able to do it, to bless others.”
Teresa Dunbar, administrator at Brownstown Christian Church, on helping to provide free Thanksgiving meals
[sc:pullout-text-end]