Community Thanksgiving meal being planned
By Becky Uehling
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
As they have done since 2016, Jim and Star Kemling have taken the lead to help organize the Perkins County community Thanksgiving meal this year. The meal will be held on Thursday, Nov. 24 at New Life Fellowship Church in Grant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are invited to come.
Each year approximately 15-25 volunteers are needed to make the meal and do the variety of other tasks needed to turn the day into a success.
Thanks to many generous donations from businesses and individuals, the meal is still completely free this year, even though inflation is making things more expensive, Star said.
“We are so thankful to our generous donors,” she said.
She said the meal is completely free, but donations can be made, if people so choose.
“We welcome everyone,” Star said. “It doesn’t matter what income people have, we welcome everyone. Just come and enjoy come and enjoy the day.”
An average of 110 people usually take part in the meal, Star said.
Like most years at this time, several have stepped up to volunteer to help with the event, but Star said she would never turn anyone away who wants to help. She especially needs volunteers to cook the turkeys before the day of the event.
Like last year, dining will be both in the church and also carry-out for those who want to take their meal home to eat. Home delivery in Grant is also available. Carry-outs and delivery will start at 11 a.m. with dining at the church starting at 11:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The church is also handicapped accessible, Star said.
Volunteers are needed the day before and day of the event for food preparation, packaging of meals for delivery and serving.
Those businesses who are donating food and supplies to the meal this year are Coats Grant Pack, Hatches, Little Bluestem and In & Out.
If interested in volunteering or assisting in any way, or to order a take-out or delivery meal, contact Jim and Star Kemling at 352-4314 or 353-0214, or email them at jskemling@gpcom.net. Donations for the meal can be taken to Adam’s Bank in Grant, or can be given during the day of the event.