Community cooks free Thanksgiving dinner

By Mollee Francisco

"I've never cooked 42 turkeys. I'm not sure how long that takes, but I imagine you'll need more than a few ovens," said Doug Peterson, executive director of Love INC.

The carving party will begin Wednesday night in preparation for the first free community Thanksgiving dinner.

The dinner is for those who are unable to afford a Thanksgiving meal, for those who would otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving and for those seeking community and fellowship. The actual dinner will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chaska.

According to Peterson, whose group is coordinating the event, some prep has already begun.

"The food has all been purchased or donated," he said. That includes 42 turkeys and more than 90 pies. Other items on the menu will include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and cranberries.

"It'll be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner," said Peterson.

Bob DeMaris, executive chef at Dalgreen Golf Club, is heading up the meal preparation. Some 240 people have already registered for the dinner and 150 people will volunteer on Thanksgiving to make sure everything runs smoothly.

"We had to turn away another 100 to 150 volunteers," said Peterson. "We can't think of any more jobs to do."

Church set up began Tuesday and 30 people are on tap to help carve up the birds Wednesday night. If all goes well, Peterson said they hope to make the Thanksgiving dinner an annual event.

"We've got a great thing planned," he said.

Peterson encouraged those that haven't registered, but will be alone or in need on Thanksgiving, to still attend.

"We'd encourage them to come," he said. "Walk-ins are fine."

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner

When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 22

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 300 Fourth St. E., Chaska

More info: (952) 448-3261