SYLACAUGA, Ala. – For the past 15 years, the Sylacauga’s Promise Thanksgiving Dinner has been a tradition in the area serving individuals and families across the region through a community and county wide effort.
“This year is no exception,” stated Kathy Landers, SAFE’s Special Events Coordinator. For this 16th consecutive year, plans are underway to serve individuals and families throughout the area. “The planning committee expects to serve approximately 3,000 people this year” stated Landers. “The dinner will once again take place at Reaching the World Bible Church located at 109 N. Cannon Ave. in Sylacauga.
“There are many ways to participate and get involved,” said Landers. “Many families make it an annual tradition to serve together at the church or to help deliver meals.” Margaret Morton, SAFE’s Executive Director stated 87 percent of the meals served were delivered last year. “If you have never been a part of the Sylacauga’s Promise Thanksgiving Dinner, please join us! If you want to know how you can help, just call SAFE and we can help you get connected.” stated Morton.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed during the week to make this event possible. “Individuals, businesses, and churches also continue to donate each year in order to make this special dinner possible,” said Nancy McKay and Lucille Anderson of the SAFE Board of Directors and Sylacauga Promise Committee. “The goal from the beginning was to make this dinner a special event so individuals did not have to spend Thanksgiving alone or not celebrate Thanksgiving at all due to finances,” states McKay.
Additionally, many volunteer opportunities are available and needed including:
- Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 am at Sylacauga Parks and Rec – to carve 150 turkeys (bring an electric carving knife)
- Store purchased desserts can be dropped off to SAFE on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Thursday, Nov. 22 – volunteers are needed at Reaching the World Bible Church
- Plate up beginning at 9:30am
- Delivery (2 shifts needed) 1st – 10:30 until 12:30 and 2nd – 12:00 until 1:30
- Clean Up – 1:30 until the church has been cleaned (usually finished by 3:00pm)
The traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, macaroni and cheese, corn, yams, a dinner roll, and dessert. There are many community partners who work together to make this event a possibility. The canned vegetables are gathered through canned food drives through Sylacauga City Schools, Comer Elementary and High School, and Knollwood School; Coosa Valley Medical Center then picks up all of the canned foods, plans a “can opening party” with the CVMC staff, and then proceeds to cook all of the vegetables. Sylacauga Parks and Recreation then cooks the turkeys. Additionally, churches and church members from across the community provide desserts, the macaroni and cheese and green beans. “It is truly a community effort,” stated Morton.
If you would like to make a reservation for dinner and/or you would like to volunteer, please call SAFE at 256-245-4343. Additionally, the prayer service begins at 11am and all are invited to attend.
