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By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
Some come because they’re hungry. Some come because they have no other place to go. Some come because they enjoy the fellowship.
Whatever the reason, they are welcome with open arms.
 On Thursday, Nov. 26, the eighth annual community-wide Thanksgiving dinner will be held at Cambridge Lutheran Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A free-will offering will be taken and reservations aren’t required. Anyone is welcome.
Darlene Pearson, whose been a member of Cambridge Lutheran for 53 years, started the event seven years ago.
“We were hosting the Interfaith Hospitality Network during Thanksgiving week, and I thought these people probably have no place to go,” Pearson said. “I then thought we could open it up to anyone in the community.”
The Interfaith Hospitality Network is a program of New Pathways, Inc., that provides services and transitional shelter for homeless families with children who have lived in Isanti, Chisago, Pine, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties for at least 30 days.
The first year of the Thanksgiving dinner, Pearson and her team of volunteers served close to 80 people.
This year they are planning for 500 people, which includes around 315 take-out orders. Take-out orders are available beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Turkey and stuffing, potatoes and gravy, yams, corn and tequilaberry salad will be served. For dessert, diners will have over 50 pies to choose from.
Pearson bought all nine turkeys from Cub Foods, which were distributed this past weekend for roasting.
Pearson couldn’t say enough good things about the volunteers who give up their time for the dinner.
“Last year I had so many volunteers I actually had to turn some away,” Pearson said. “People really want to be in the ministry of helping people who are hungry. The volunteers enjoy helping, have fun and like to joke around.”
Pearson said the people who come to the dinner are very grateful.
“People come in and say if they couldn’t come here for Thanksgiving they don’t know what they would do,” Pearson said. “Some come because they are in need of a meal, while others come because they enjoy the fellowship atmosphere. I didn’t think it would grow like it has, but the need has really grown.”
Pearson said she begins planning the event and calling for volunteers around late September.
“I think it’s a ministry I enjoy doing and God is working through it with me,” Pearson said. “I think it’s a willingness to do it, knowing how to do it, and I give God a lot of credit.”
Pearson said while she coordinates the event, the volunteers deserve the credit.
“They really have a giving spirit, and like helping people,” she said of her volunteers. “We really have a ‘reaching-out’ atmosphere, a nice warm atmosphere.”
Also throughout the dinner, Pearson mentioned Pastor Andy Romstad’s mother sets up a craft table and play table for the children to keep them busy while their parents finish up their dinner and socialize. She mentioned a T.V. and VCR will also be set up this year.
Cambridge Lutheran Church, located at 621 Old North Main Street, can be reached at 763-689-1211.
Other community Thanksgiving dinners
• Abundant Life Church: A free Thanksgiving dinner will be held at Abundant Life Church, 4359 392nd Street, North Branch (2 miles west of the interstate bridge on Hwy 95) from noon to 2 p.m.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings will be served. No reservations needed. If you would like a meal delivered, would like a ride to dinner, or want to let them know in advance how many will be in your party, call 651-674-7531 and leave your name and number. Several volunteer opportunities are also available. Call 651-674-7531 or email: valerie@alcwired.com
• Captain’s on Long Lake: A free Thanksgiving dinner will be held at Captain’s On Long Lake, 27821 Bayshore Dr. NW, Isanti, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings will be served. Call 763-444-5897 for reservations of eight or more. Seating is determined by time of arrival. Donations for the food shelf are welcome.
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