Local church hosts 158 people for Thanksgiving

Church on the Move in Plains saw more than 150 people enter its doors Thursday for a Thanksgiving Day meal.

“We weren’t expecting that much, and it definitely got a little chaotic, but we made it through and a lot of people had a great meal,” said Jessica Peterson with Church on the Move.

The local church has been offering meals to the public on Thanksgiving for more than 20 years, Peterson said.

“We never know how many people are going to show up, but it was nice to see so many people,” she said.

While crowds exceeded expectations, Peterson said they even had enough food to send some families away with extras for another meal.

To host the event, the church receives community donations — either in cash or food — leading up to Thanksgiving every year. This year, the church had five Turkeys and four hams to go around.

Peterson said each year, the faces and roles of volunteers for the event change based on the need and who is able to help out for the day. This year, roughly 16 to 20 people helped for the two hours the church was open to the public.

She said Marsha Wendell took charge for the 2016 celebration.

“We’re blessed to have so many people willing to help,” Peterson said. “It really depends on who is in town that year, but we always know people will come together.”

Peterson said while some families enjoy having an intimate Thanksgiving with their close relatives, the church’s meal has become a community tradition.

She said many people spend time after the meal hanging out with other community members.

“For some people, coming to the church is their Thanksgiving meal — one they may not of had otherwise — (it is) their special time with family,” Peterson said. “For a lot of volunteers, it’s a part of our traditions now too.”