Local civic organization, Pioneers, Inc. is preparing to continue their longstanding tradition on Thursday morning of handing out free Thanksgiving meals.
Pioneers, Inc. has provided free Thanksgiving meals since 1984. William Brown, a Pioneer and chairman for the community Thanksgiving meal, says the tradition was started by former Pioneer President Walter Smith who wanted to bring people together and take care of those less fortunate.
For their inaugural Thanksgiving meal, Brown says they gave out around 100 meals, but in 2023 they gave out over 800 meals.
On Thursday, meals will be handed out from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pioneer’s Complex at 904 North Main Street. Brown says they will have a meal pick up drive-through.
This year’s meal consists of turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and a roll.