Dine-in service returns to Sikeston Thanksgiving Day meal

SIKESTON — For more than two decades, Sikeston residents have come to appreciate a home-cooked meal for Thanksgiving.

And that will continue this year as the event now is coordinated by Bo Ozment of the Sikeston VFW, which serves as the dinner’s location.

At 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, which is Nov. 28, those who want to take their meals home to eat may pick up carryouts, and at 11:30 a.m., doors will open for those who want to dine in.

Ozment said for some, this is the only way attendees can ingest the holiday spread.

“It is very important because we have many people who don’t have a way to get a Thanksgiving dinner,” Ozment said of the meal. “They are alone on Thanksgiving. They really need some place to have a meal. It just makes for a good day, good community service.”

Donations have come in from multiple areas and multiple organizations.

“We have had some come in, but we can use some more,” Ozment said of donations “The VFW will be making sure all financial things are covered. We will use whatever help we can. Food items have already been donated, but I can use volunteers.”

Most recently, the Rotary Club made a $500-donation.

“We are using it on items from Walmart,” Ozment said. “We have a couple of other things going on. American Legion has donated and will be cooking the turkeys. It is a community effort. There are many people, a lot of churches and other organizations that are involved. It is a privilege to be able to do this.”

Carryout and dine-in, which has not been an option for years, will be available.

“We haven’t had dine-in since COVID hit,” Ozment said. “They are going to be able to grab a plate and sit down, and we will probably play some Christmas music. Anyone who wants to come is invited.”

For those who want to volunteer, prep work for the meal will take place from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27.

“On Thursday (Nov. 28), volunteers will begin at 8 a.m. for as long as they want to stay,” Ozment said. “I can get by with six, and I can get by with 16.”

Currently, there will be enough food to feed up to 1,000 people.

“If it goes beyond that, we will go to plan B,” Ozment said.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Sikeston. Last year, 900 people were fed through the community meal.

If interested in making a donation, Ozment said to call him at 573-380-6969, or by mail at VFW Post 3174; P.O. Box 1539; Sikeston, MO 63801.