Marshfield Community Thanksgiving Dinner Free to Everyone
Those looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal this holiday can find a great meal and warm camaraderie at the American Legion in Marshfield. Featuring roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and coleslaw made by volunteers, green beans, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie and pumpkin bars for dessert, the delicious dinner has been coordinated by volunteers since 2003.
“The Community Thanksgiving Dinner gives people the chance to share the day with others and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” said Julie Hastreiter, a volunteer.
With various dishes donated by organizations and many volunteers, as well as ride services donated by Marshfield Bus Service, the Marshfield Thanksgiving Dinner is truly a community effort.
“The Dinner is funded through past years’ cash donations and annual donations of food items from local organizations and individuals including Marshfield Area Gobblers (turkeys), Marshfield Bus Service, Columbus Catholic Middle School (CCHS teacher Mr. Jevaltas and middle school students), Marshfield High School, Gardner Cranberry, and cash donors at both the Dinner and BMO Harris Bank,” explained Hastreiter. She added that third-grade students at Marshfield Area Catholic Schools color Thanksgiving-themed placemats to add to the festive decor.
“The volunteers enjoy the day as much as the diners!” she said. “People can volunteer their time to help prepare the meal, as dining room servers, on the carry-out meals crew, or with clean up at the end of the meal. They can also donate cash or food item(s) we use for the meal which we would otherwise have to buy.”
“Our volunteers are the source of our strength. Without them, we would not be able to make this possible,” added Jan Altmann. “Donations from individuals and community groups provide both monetary and donated food items.”
Anyone is welcome to attend the dinner.
“We have a great mix of all members of the community, both as volunteers and as guests,” said Altmann. “We certainly see a need for this meal, as well as an opportunity to spend some time with your neighbors or meet some new members of our community. This is a wonderful way for new families in Marshfield to make some new connections and get to know each other.”
For the past five years, the Dinner has been embracing the spirit of the holiday season and paying it forward to help other service organizations in Marshfield.
“This year we will be assisting the Personal Development Center by collecting items on their wish list and offering most of the funds collected to further their work,” said Altmann.
The Marshfield Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm at the American Legion Hall (2100 S Maple Avenue in Marshfield), and is free and open to all. Reservations are not needed to attend this dinner. Carry-out meals are also offered free of charge.
