Last year, more than 600 people enjoyed a free, homecooked Thanksgiving meal courtesy of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Mount Joy. This year, the church plans to continue the tradition and will offer its 17th annual community Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, Nov. 25.

"Due to the overwhelming number of dinner requests in 2020, Jim and Joanne Pinkerton of The Gathering Place have very generously offered St. Mark's church the use of The Gathering Place facilities to prepare, cook and distribute (the dinner)," said Janet Lehman, who helps to organize the meal. Dinners will be available by curbside pickup only at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Lehman emphasized that although the location is different for the meal this year, it's still being prepared, cooked and served by St. Mark's church and community volunteers. In fact, she said more than 70 volunteers helped with the dinner last year.

The dinner will include turkey breast over stuffing with gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls and butter, applesauce and a dessert. Although there is no cost for the dinner, donations will be accepted.

"St. Mark's goal is to provide a Thanksgiving meal for everyone in the community who is looking for a delicious homecooked Thanksgiving dinner," Lehman stated. "So, whether you are going through a difficult time, you have no family in the area, or you prefer not to go to a restaurant during the pandemic, St. Mark's family invites you to enjoy their mouth-watering turkey dinner."

Lehman noted that in order to cook and serve the meals, many volunteers are needed both Wednesday evening, Nov. 24, and on Thanksgiving Day. "Volunteers are needed to donate lots of cakes and pies, peel potatoes, make the stuffing, cook the dinner, put the food in takeout containers, serve the dinners curbside, clean up following the dinner and wash dishes," she explained. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Lehman at 717-653-4189 or email lehmanfamily@comcast.net.

Members of St. Mark's United Methodist Church believe they are called to touch lives and meet the needs of people in their community, Lehman said, and the church's food ministry helps to fulfill that goal. In addition to the free Thanksgiving meal, St. Mark's and Mary Mother of the Church volunteers serve free meals the third Sunday of most months. Meals are served by curbside pickup from 4 to 5 p.m. at the rear of St. Mark's, located at 27 E. Main St., Mount Joy.

Reservations are required for the Thanksgiving Day dinner and may be made by calling the church office at 717-653-5493, ext. 222. The reservation deadline is Monday, Nov. 22.