Since 1978, individuals and groups in Sterling have cooperated to host one of the largest feasts in Kansas, the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner.
Several hundred volunteers under the direction of Carol Froese, will be preparing and serving the meal for an expected 700-800 diners. The meal will be served from 11 a.m until 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at the Sterling College Cafeteria (located in the Student Union Building on campus).
The menu will feature turkey and dressing, mashed and sweet potatoes, green beans, Freneh bread, relishes, pie and drinks. Guests who wish to do so may bring desserts, salads, or cash donations, but the organizers emphasize that the meal is free to all.
Canned and other goods, including soaps, detergents, and paper products, for the area food banks are strongly encouraged.
Mrs. Froese says, “We encourage people to come and bring out-of-town guests as well. This is a special time for good food, fellowship, and sharing.”
Meals will be delivered to area shut-ins as well. Persons requesting this service should call Carol Bingle or Arn Froese with phone number and address.
Many organizations in Sterling, including the Boy and Girl Scouts, Silver Threads, National Honor Society, Sterling Presbyterian Manor, Rotary Club, some SC cafeteria staff, area churches, and many individuals and families cooperate to provde the free meal.
“We are especially concerned that Sterling College students who can’t go home for the holiday, and people who live alone have a place to eat Thanksgiving dinner with other people,” says Froese. “People enjoy the fellowship and the chance to see friends who have returned to Sterling, as well as meet new people.” Others from around the state have heard of the dinner and have made it an annual tradition.
Carole Froese, with the help of her husband, Arn, have coordinated the meal since 1982. “We couldn’t do it without all the volunteers,” she says. The Froeses own Decor Party supply in Hutchinson, and Dr. Froese is chairman ofthe Behavioral Sciences Department and professor of Psychology at Sterling College.