The turkeys started going into the ovens Sunday at The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen.
When 200-plus people are on the guest list, cooking takes a little longer.
“We’re making 30 turkeys,” said LaDonna Doleman, who manages the soup kitchen, which is open 365 days a year, providing a hot meal to those in need.
Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to noon – the same schedule as every other day of the year.
Doleman said she’s expecting at least 225 to show up for the meal, which will include turkey, corn casserole, dressing, sweet potatoes – and don’t forget about the pies.
“One church brings about 50 every year,” she said.
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Those pies make the Thanksgiving meal special.
People will be able to eat on-site, but they will have to do so in the courtyard not inside the building, which is still regulated due to COVID-19 protocols.
Assisting Doleman in meal preparation and serving are a team of volunteers.
“A lot of people volunteer on Thanksgiving Day,” said Amy Breitmann, executive director of the Golden Harvest Food Bank, which operates the soup kitchen.
But volunteers are needed on Friday after Thanksgiving, Saturday and every other day of the year as well.
Prior to the pandemic, the food bank saw upwards of 500 volunteers a month, and she’s hopeful for people to start volunteering again.
The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen is located at 702 Fenwick St.
To find volunteer opportunities at the soup kitchen or the food bank, visit the food bank’s website at goldenharvest.org.
The Bridge Ministry held its 15th annual Thanksgiving service Saturday under the John C. Calhoun Expressway Bridge. About 200 people received a meal and a coat during the event according to a Nov. 20 photojournalism piece by The Augusta Press photographer Mike Adams.
Other Thanksgiving meals for those in need include one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at Bible Deliverance Temple, 1857 Fenwick St.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
