CC Cares serves up Thanksgiving Day dinner

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

More than 240 people lined up at Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City on Thursday to enjoy some turkey and all the fixin’s — as well as some Charles City camaraderie — at the annual community Thanksgiving Day dinner.

The event is put on annually by Charles City Cares, and Kim Watkins has been the event organizer for the last eight of those years.

“I’m the leader of the band today,” Watkins said. “This has been going on for 24 years now.”

Watkins said that if you missed the dinner this year, you’ll get another chance next year.

“It’s going to happen every year on Thanksgiving Day, same time, same place,” she said. “Just come on out and have some good food and good fellowship.”

Messiah Lutheran Church provides the location for CC Cares.

“It’s always been here, it’s handicap-accessible, everyone nows to call here, so why change the place?” Watkins said

The meal consisted of turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, corn, beans, relish items, rolls and dessert. Water, milk and coffee were also served. Watkins said that this year, the event used up 140 pounds of turkey, 40 pounds of ham, 60 pounds of potatoes and one large box of stuffing. About 25 volunteers of all ages helped to prepare and serve the meal, and also went on food delivery runs.

A free will donation was requested from each diner, and the money raised will provide seed money for next year’s dinner, Watkins said.