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By LINDSEY

MUTCHLER

Messenger staff writer

CLARION - Seven churches in this small town band together every year to provide the public with a Thanksgiving meal.

This year 325 received warm food and fellowship for free at the Clarion-Goldfield High School cafetorium.

"The food is prepared at Clarion Super Foods, and each church donates seven pies," Betty Haker said. "Plus, the school is gracious enough to let us use this space."

Haker has been the chairperson for the Clarion Ministerial Association's Thanksgiving dinner for the last three years.

With the help of 60 volunteers from all the churches, serving the meal was as smooth as the butter on the holiday rolls.

Two tables lined with main course dishes helped move attendees through the festive dishes of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy at a brisk pace, while volunteers helped carry food and drink back to patron's tables which were adorned with placemats created by students in the Connection after-school program.

"We're usually done serving within 45 minutes," Haker said.

But, no matter how quickly people made it through the line, it was clear residents, like Carol Ruzicka, appreciated the gesture of good will.

Ruzicka and her family came to enjoy the dinner since her sister was working over the holiday at Sparboe Farms.

"It's nice they do this every year," Ruzicka said. "It's great to have a good meal on Thanksgiving."

And volunteer Tami Brownell was happy to offer the service in her community.

"For years, we volunteered at the Bethel Mission in Des Moines," Brownell said. "It's fun now to be in our own community and help our neighbors."

Brownell said just being there and helping made her Thanksgiving more meaningful.

"Knowing that we're helping people who can't afford a meal enjoy a nice home cooked dinner is a blessing," Brownell said. This is her second year volunteering.

For those who were homebound, meals were delivered.

"For the last three years, we've carried out meals to those who can't come in," Haker said. "It's just a small way we can make their holiday a little more cheerful."

Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net