Perham, NY Mills to offer free Thanksgiving meals

Looking for a place to get your fill of good food and friendship this Thanksgiving?

Look no further than Perham and New York Mills, where no one needs to go hungry or be alone on the holiday.

Both communities will be serving up traditional Thanksgiving meals to area residents, at no charge.

Perham

Northwoods Assembly of God Church will hold its 13th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Turkey and all the traditional trimmings will be served, plus pies, coffee and hot cider.

Bobbie Currier, a leading organizer of the event, said the church typically serves between 100 and 130 meals each year, either in-house or by delivery to people's homes.

"It's for anyone in need on Thanksgiving," she said. "Not necessarily just for financially needy people, but for people who need a place to go; people with no family close by."

The day is entirely planned and run by volunteers. Currier said there are usually about 40 volunteers involved in everything from cooking to setting up tables to baking pies to delivering meals.

The Perham community is very supportive of the event, said Currier: "I've been overwhelmed by the help I've been getting this year, as far as donations from people and businesses. It's been great."

Northwoods Assembly of God Church is located at 945 W Main St. in Perham.

There is no charge for the meal. Free will offerings will be accepted, but are not expected.

For more information, to request a meal delivery, or to volunteer, visit www.northwoodslife.com or call the church at 346-5433.

New York Mills

New York Mills area residents are invited to a free Thanksgiving Eve dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 4-6 p.m.

A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served; there is no cost for the meal. Delivery of meals will also be available.

A Thanksgiving worship service will follow at 6:30 p.m.

This is the second year in a row that the church has organized the Thanksgiving dinner. Catered by Concept Catering, about 20 volunteers help with set-up and take-down, bake pies and serve and deliver the food.

According to one of the head organizers, Karen Brasel, the event was started by the church's Evangelism Committee as a way to reach out into the community.

"We just wanted to do something for the community, and we want the community to know that people care about them," said Brasel. "It's good food. It's great fellowship. It's just a great atmosphere."

Brasel said about 250 people took part in the meal last year, with many dining together at the church, and some having their meals delivered. The church also offers a pick-up service for those who want to be a part of the dinner but need transportation.

"Times may be tough for a lot of people," said Brasel. "Some people don't have family around, and this is a way of meeting that need for them."

After the dinner, people are invited to "stay and hear God's message" at the worship service, said Brasel.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 424 East Gilman Street in New York Mills.

For more information, call Karen Brasel at 218-385-2772.