by Caroline Bredekamp for the Preston Times
What started over 14 years ago as a reoccurring fall thought that kept running through Ben Drury’s mind, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Free All Community Thanksgiving Dinner held on Thursday, November 28th from 11AM- 2PM at this year’s host site at Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula. Next year, St. John’s in Preston will host the volunteers and the event. The event was spear headed by Ben and Teri Drury and Trenkamp electric and was supported by dozens of community members throughout the whole process. Over 375 individuals were served a Turkey and Ham Thanksgiving Feast either by pick-up at the site or by delivery. Thirty-one turkeys were prepared in the days leading up to the event and about 125 pies were distributed with the meals. Roasters of ham, stuffing, green bean casseroles, potatoes, gravy and stuffing rounded out the menu. Several volunteers have commented on how this event is an important part of their Thanksgiving tradition. Those receiving meals are beyond grateful for the wonderful food but more importantly for the efforts that the Drury’s, their family and friends and community volunteers place in making the meal and Thanksgiving Day special.
This year, the Community Meal had a special trailer used for storing and hauling all the supplies. The trailer has shelving already built inside to house all the many roasters that are used each year. This was a change from previous years as in the past roasters were borrowed from the churches and Spragueville Community Center and each had to be picked up in advance and all parts be held accountable for, so everyone got the correct items back after the event. This year an anonymous donor started the roaster fund with a $500 donation and challenged others to donate. Teri Drury was able to find a deal on roasters and soon acquired the 30 roasters needed for the event. This will save valuable time as they will now be readily at hand and can be returned to the trailer for storage for the next meals. Trenkamp Electric provided a generator for the trailer, making it another location for some of the prep work to take place and to work out of during the event. The trailer has yet to receive its artwork on the outside but has already affectionately been called the Turkey Trailer.
Teri Drury and Christine Christof pose for their Annual Thanksgiving Day picture. Tom Turkey looks happy to join them in the picture.
Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula graciously provided their space to the many volunteers as they prepped the meal and made the deliveries.
This is one of the few times in ten years that Ben and Teri made the same photo. Each is busy keeping their assigned areas moving along smoothly. This happened to be when the first meal of the year was being prepped to go out the door on delivery.
Don’t you love it when your outfits coordinate!
Dishing up the gravy in the to-go containers.
Three different assembly lines were located throughout Calvary Lutheran.
Getting all the delivery boxes filled with meals, sides, desserts and rolls.
Service with a smile! Individuals that were able to pick up meals were happily met at the door by various volunteers who took the meal count and helped to get them package for carry out.
Boiling potatoes to take inside for Mr. Spud (aka Ron Regenwether) to mash.
The potatoes are getting prepared, and the roasters are being set in their spots before the serving frenzy begins!
The drivers return for additional meals to deliver around the local communities and rural areas.
This year an anonymous donor started the roaster fund with a $500 donation and challenged others to donate. Teri Drury was able to find a deal on roasters and soon acquired the 30 roasters needed for the event.
