Thursday, November 25, 2010

About 700 meals were served at the 32nd annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner in Sterling.

Several families from out-of-town drove hundreds of miles to be with family and eat at one of the largest feasts in Kansas.

Sharon Brower was born in Sterling and came back to visit her mother who is turning 94 on Saturday.

"We have a family of ten here from Texas so it's exciting. It's nice. We're so thankful to be here," said Brower. "We're thankful for all these people who have worked since Monday."

It took 20 turkeys, 9 hams, and hundreds of volunteers to serve up the feast. Guests ate a hot meal that included turkey, ham, potatoes, salads, desserts, and drinks.

"It's just a way of serving our community. I grew up doing this kind of service with my parents as a kid and I learned that at home. And it's just a joy to be able to do things for other people," said Carol Froese, who has been coordinating the event since 1982.

Many organizations in Sterling donated and helped prepare the free meal. The event was held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.