Published: November 24, 2008 10:50 am      

A meal for the masses

The numbers are rolling in for people wanting to participate in the upcoming Pittsburg County Community Thanksgiving Dinner — but time is growing short to sign up for the event.

“There is still time for people to call, but we’d like for them to call as soon as possible,” said Pittsburg County Assessor Jim Kelley, one of the organizers of the community dinner.

“When we get everything in motion, it will be more difficult to add more meals.”

The phone number for those who want to participate to call is 423-7379, with plans to keep the phone line open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

More volunteers are needed to help with food deliveries for those who are unable to get out and pick up the dinners themselves, Kelley said. Volunteers plan to begin delivering the meals around 9 a.m. on Thursday to Pittsburg County residents who want to participate but who are unable to get out on Thanksgiving Day.

Kelley said anyone interested in volunteering can call the 423-7379 number during regular business hours.

Volunteers are doing their best to get ready for the unexpected, but it’s important to make the phone call or complete a written application in advance so volunteers will know how much food to prepare.

They’ve already started the cooking by baking cornbread for the dressing on Friday, using the cafeteria at McAlester High School, Kelley said.

Plans call for the free holiday dinner with all the trimmings to be served around noon on Thanksgiving Day at the George Nigh National Guard Armory at Third Street and Polk Avenue.

It’s open to anyone in Pittsburg County who wants to participate, with no income or age guidelines or other requirements, Kelley noted.

Those who would like to pick up the meals to take them home instead of eating at the armory can get them at the armory beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Kelley said.

It is not necessary for those who have already completed an application at a senior citizens center, Hartshorne City Hall or other outlet to also make a phone call to sign up for the dinner, according to organizers of the event.

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.