Holy Trinity Thanksgiving meal in new hands

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will hold its annual Community Thanksgiving Day Meal on Thursday, Nov. 23, and this year’s ninth annual meal will feature a changing of the guard.

Audre Johnson has been in charge of the event since its inception. She has turned the planning over to Donna Galvin, who is the hospitality coordinator for Holy Trinity. "Donna’s been my right hand all these years, now I’m going to be hers," Audre said.

The idea for the meal came about after Audre’s father died.

"I decided I wanted to do some sort of service, a soup kitchen, and we decided to have a Thanksgiving Meal for people who might not otherwise have a traditional meal," Audre said.

She explained that at the time she was involved with Befrienders Ministry, and was aware that there were homeless people in the area and also many who lived alone and might not be able to share a meal with someone. They invited everyone - Some were families who weren’t able to prepare a meal due to circumstances, such as illness.

"We weren’t sure what to expect that first year - so we planned for 100 - and we had exactly 100 show up," she said. The event has grown, with as many as 200 coming for the meal. Last year attendance was down at about 135, but the average over the years has been about 150.

There is no charge for the meal, but those attending are asked to make a free-will offering if they are able.

George Kukacka of Lakeside Supper Club prepares the turkeys and gravy, and Larry Sirek provides potatoes that he grows in his garden. Dozens of other volunteers help prepare and serve donated food.

Pastors Ben and Alicia Hilding are looking forward to the event as they learn more about their new church and say they will be on hand to help in any way that’s needed.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate food can call Donna at the church at 952-758-3513. The meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Transportation will be available, also by calling the church.

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