MORGANTOWN — Thanksgiving started when Native Americans and Pilgrims came together for a three-day feast and Karen King believes that community should still be a key part of the holiday.
King is organizing Wesley United Methodist Church’s 10th annual Thanksgiving dinner and said the event has grown every year.
Just 29 people attended the first feast, but King said she expects to serve 600 meals this year.
“If you involve the community in a project they become invested in it, if it’s a success or not,” King said.
The free Thanksgiving meal is for anyone who wants to attend. King said it’s for the homeless, college students, families and anyone in between.
She said she’s never had a problem getting enough volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up for the free meal. About 100 meals are delivered to firefighters, police and EMS workers who are working Thursday.
This year King said 25 turkeys will be cooked in three flavors — traditional, BBQ and red pepper flake.
Other Thanksgiving staples such as green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and bread will be served. Chili’s is donating about 150 pounds of mashed potatoes and the paper products used, King said.
There will also be a dessert table featuring pies, she said.
The event is sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church, Chili’s and United Bank, King said.
Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 12:30-3 p.m. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church on North High Street.
Take-out meals are also available, but have to be requested before 3 p.m. Wednesday. To ask for a take-out meal or to volunteer call 304-292-9465.
