Community dinner is canceled for this year
For the first time in 14 years, there will not be a Marion Community Thanksgiving Dinner this year sponsored by Marion Ministerial Alliance.
Larry King of Marion Ministerial Alliance, said volunteers have not stepped up this year to help with the event.
"Most of the people on the committee have been on it for many years," said King. Some have stepped down to attend their own family dinners and no one else has volunteered.
Traditionally, volunteers have been members of churches in Marion and the surrounding area. Ministers had taken turns being chairmen of the committee and serving as hosts on Thanksgiving Day.
When the event began, it was an effort to provide a Thanksgiving meal for those who wouldn't have one otherwise — the elderly, poor, etc. — and so people wouldn't have to eat alone.
Families began to attend because of the fellowship and convenience. Some traveled to Marion to visit relatives and others are residents.
Volunteers again were sought from churches for the Thanksgiving Day meal to provide salads and pies, cook turkeys, help prepare and serve meals, and clean up afterward.
Proceeds benefited the ministerial alliance to provide assistance to those in need.
Approximately 200 people attended each year with the numbers dependent on the weather — bad weather usually meant a higher attendance because some couldn't travel.
In addition to serving meals at the middle school commons, volunteers also delivered meals to the elderly.
Marion Chamber of Commerce and City of Marion personnel took reservations and kept a list of those who requested a meal be delivered.
"Maybe another group will pick up where we left off," said King. If not, the ministerial alliance will re-evaluate the situation next year.
