Not to be crass, but:
Money, money, money.
That’s what the 23rd annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner needs most of all.
“It has to be the economy. There’s no other answer,” said Kevin Neary, one of the event’s longtime organizers.
“People have always been so good to us...But this year we are really, really short of money.”
Every Thanksgiving since 1987, the all-volunteer Community Thanksgiving has served a free holiday meal to anyone who’s stopped by.
Volunteers also deliver meals to those who can’t get out.
Thanks to the efforts of groups like the Cobleskill-Richmondville FFA, Mr. Neary said they have plenty of turkeys and plenty of volunteers.
It’s money for other related expenses that they’re lacking.
Usually by this time, he said, donations total about $1,000, but as of Saturday, they stood at $275.
“We realize it’s been a difficult year for everyone, but it’s a great event and we try to keep costs down,” he said.
“Any little bit will help.”
Especially because reservations are up this year—again likely because of the economy.
This year’s dinner will be held at the Cobleskill Best Western beginning at 1pm.
Despite the shortfall, reservations are still being taken.
Call the Office for the Aging at 295-2001, the same number to use to make arrangements for home-delivered meal or for transportation to the event.
As for donations, send them to: Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, care of Kevin Neary, PO Box 177, Richmondville, NY 12149.