Some cities and towns have free community Thanksgiving meals to both help the less fortunate and provide an opportunity to dine with others to those alone at the holiday.
The longest-running such meal is Scottsbluff’s Thanksgiving in the Valley at the Guadalupe Center. It’s marking its 40th year today and Scottsbluff Mayor Jeanne McKerrigan issued a proclamation declaring this as Thanksgiving in the Valley Day.
Retired radio newsman Kevin Mooney has volunteered at Thanksgiving in the Valley almost since its inception with Rural Radio Network Promotions Director Kendra Feather another longtime volunteer.
Mooney and Feather say the number of meals served or delivered has varied over the years, but that the grand total is likely around 32,000 while the average total in recent years has been about a thousand.
Chadron hasn’t had a free community meal for several years, but Ron Moore of The Ridge continues to offer a reduced-price substitute – traditional Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:00-3:00.
Moore began opening on Thanksgiving Day to offer a traditional meal in 2017 when a volunteer meal at the Assumption Arena ended its long run.
With the help of donations or sponsorships from a handful of Chadron businesses, Moore was able to offer that first meal in 2017 for just $5.
Despite the ravages of inflation since then, today’s dinner at The Ridge is just $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids. Reservations are not required, although Ron would appreciate a heads-up for groups of 6 or more. Again, the hours are 11-3:00.