Donations needed for annual Sikeston Community Thanksgiving meal

SIKESTON – The yearly Sikeston Community Thanksgiving Dinner is back this year with take-out plates only and is asking for donations. There will be no deliveries available. Those who want a Thanksgiving meal must come by and pick up their to-go plates.

The event’s coordinator, Marlene Stevens, said this year marks both her 20th and final year. They served 807 people in total in 2022, and according to Stevens, she wants her final year to be a huge success.

According to Stevens, the annual Thanksgiving Dinner will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Smith Street in Sikeston.

“We will serve turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and deserts,” Stevens said.

Normally, Stevens said, they need a lot of volunteers, but this year they will have more than in previous years. According to Stevens, Sikeston schools will now be closed for the entire week of Thanksgiving break this year, allowing for more volunteers for the Thanksgiving dinner.

“Previous years, school was in session until Wednesday, but this year the kids are out the whole week, so we have several volunteers from the high school that are going to help us,” Stevens said. “But anyone can still come out and help.”

Volunteers will work from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, until about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. until the rest of the preparations are completed. Volunteers will begin at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will finish by 2 p.m.

Despite the fact they have more volunteers this year, Stevens said they are in desperate need of donations. 

The significant mail delays may cause a problem with donations. 

“People who are sending gift cards or checks need to maybe rethink sending them through the mail,” Stevens said. 

Stevens said they do not solicit cash but rather Walmart or Food Giant gift cards and food supplies.

Instead of sending donations through the mail, Stevens suggests calling her at 573-471-8697, and she can pick them up or give them an address to drop them off at. 

Stevens said the American Legion will prepare the turkeys and that the American Legion, Food Giant, and others will be providing turkeys.

Other foods required include, but are not limited to, institutional-sized cans of green beans, corn, yams, instant mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Cakes, pies, and other desserts can be contributed and delivered to the VFW building the day before or the morning of Thanksgiving, according to Stevens.

“The purpose of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner is to see that all senior citizens are served and not forgotten, but we don’t turn anyone away,” Stevens said. “Anybody that comes can still get a meal.”

To volunteer or make donations, contact Stevens at (573) 471-8697.