Salvation Army serves more than a thousand dinners on Thanksgiving

Darlene Allen planned a dinner of ribs for her family's Thanksgiving Day celebration. After preparing 54 pans of stuffing and overseeing the serving of 90 turkeys and 35 hams for the Salvation Army, she thought she'd be fine not seeing another turkey until next year.

Since 1985 -- the first year the Salvation Army began serving a Thanksgiving dinner in Cape Girardeau -- Allen has been helping coordinate the feast.

"I never thought when we started it in '85 that it would continue to this day. It has just blossomed. It's such a blessing," she said.

Volunteers delivered 327 meals to shut-ins, prepared 183 meals for takeout and served about 500 dinners at the Salvation Army's headquarters Thursday, Maj. Ben Stillwell said.

That's an increase from the 908 meals served last year, which Stillwell attributes to a fledging economy and recent layoffs.

Desserts await Thanksgiving diners Thursday at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

"I wish we didn't have to have this. But it's reality. People can't stretch any more. They're just trying to make ends meet," Allen said, saying this year was the biggest crowd she has seen.

The mood was festive Thursday, with religious Christmas music playing in the sanctuary, live piano music in the gym and stacks of coats for the taking. Place mats read "God loves you," and each person received a card with a "Happy Thanksgiving" note, complete with a drawing of a turkey.

Dinner was scheduled for noon, but by 10:30 a.m. people were already arriving for fellowship. Cooks bustled around the kitchen, popping rolls into the oven, carving turkeys that had been prepared at churches, homes and restaurants across town, and placing hundreds of pies and cakes on serving tables.

Nearly all the food was prepared in advance. Dressing was made over the weekend, and ham was sliced Wednesday. The menu included turkey, ham, sweet and mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, rolls and dressing.

Randy Mulvaney arrived around 7 a.m. Thursday to start warming up food and to help organize the effort. This is his sixth year helping with the event. He was accompanied by his 18-year-old son, Gregory Mulvaney, his 17-year-old stepdaughter, Melissa Mather, and his fiance, Nancy Lozano.

"I bring my children every year. I want to humble them and teach them that for some people it's not as easy as just reaching into the cupboard. There's a lot of people that need help," he said.

Mulvaney, who works in construction, has noticed "a lot of people hurting" this year.

Businesses, charities and community members stepped up efforts and donations this year, and there was enough food and coats to go around, Stillwell said. Through a Schnucks coat drive, around 3,000 coats were donated, along with about 1,000 hats and gloves. More than 290 people volunteered at the Salvation Army.

Allen said one of the best parts of the day is watching everyone interact.

"It's not for one particular group of people. Everyone mingles together, and it doesn't matter which sides of the tracks you're from. There's no dividing line. That doesn't happen too often, probably just on Thanksgiving."

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627

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