The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will return to Ottumwa on Thursday, November 26, with organizers expecting to serve approximately 3,600 meals to area residents.
The free Thanksgiving meal will be served at the Ottumwa High School (OHS) cafeteria, with access through the Fourth Street entrance. The meal is open to everyone, and there is no charge.
This year’s menu will include turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, rolls and dessert. The meal is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, organizations and individuals, including the Wapello County Foundation, Van Meter and the Legacy Foundation.
Organizers are once again partnering with Ottumwa Schools and are calling on community members to volunteer their time to help make the Thanksgiving tradition possible.
Volunteers are needed to box meals, deliver food to homes, assist with dine-in guests, handle curbside pickup and help with cleanup.
Volunteer Schedule:
- 9 a.m.: Volunteers helping box and deliver meals should arrive. Meal boxing will begin around 9:15 a.m.
- 9:30 a.m.: Volunteers assisting with dine-in and curbside service should arrive.
- 11 a.m.: Volunteers helping with cleanup should arrive.
Organizers encourage everyone who is able to help, even if they can only stay for part of the morning.
Meal Delivery Reservations
Residents requesting home delivery must make a reservation. Reservations will be accepted beginning Wednesday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 24. Calls can be made between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
To reserve a home-delivered meal, contact one of the following:
- Liz: 641-680-5034
- Peggy: 641-680-3587
- Angie: 641-931-7031
Meals are expected to be delivered between 10 and 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Anyone who has not received their meal by noon should call Liz at 641-680-5034.
Changes to existing delivery reservations will be accepted on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, by calling Liz at 641-680-5034 no later than 11 a.m.
Dine-In and Curbside Pickup
Dine-in and curbside pickup will be available from 9:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. No reservations are required for either option.
Dine-in service will be offered inside the OHS cafeteria, where residents are welcome to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is a tremendous volunteer effort, and organizers hope area residents will consider giving their time to help ensure everyone who needs or wants a Thanksgiving meal can enjoy one.
Everyone is welcome!
