All are invited to join in the 33rd annual Stillwater Community Thanksgiving Lunch celebration at the First United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center located at 400 W. 7th Ave. on Thursday, November 23. 

Lunch will be served free of charge from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and food options will include turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie and much more. OSU students staying in Stillwater over the Thanksgiving break are encouraged to dine with the community and volunteer their time. 

Christina Morrill, real estate agent at United Country Real Estate and Auction, has served on the organizing committee for the event for three years, since the retirement of Pat Dorr, who ran the event for 30 years. Morrill knew the celebration wouldn’t go on unless others volunteered. She and her husband Mike, along with Tony and Melissa Holt and Paul Priegal, answered the call to continue the lunch. Last year, they partnered with the First United Methodist Church of Stillwater and church administrator Wayne Wilczek. 

“We called Pat and told him that we wanted to help,” Morrill said. “We didn’t want the celebration to go away, and we think it’s very important to the community.” 

Morrill’s favorite part about the event is seeing everyone come together. She said widows, widowers and older couples often show up to celebrate in their Sunday best. 

“It’s not just for people in need,” Morrill said. “We have a lot of international students attend who’ve never experienced this kind of event, and they’re probably some of the most grateful.” 

Last year, Morrill said they served more than 1,000 people, and they made over 200 to-go orders for people who could not leave home and those staying in the hospital. Students help serve food, as well as sit and visit with the older residents to keep them company. 

“We never turn a volunteer away,” Morrill said. “We really try to include as many people who want to be involved as possible. Even if the sign-up sheet is full, students can come and the coordinator will find them a job.” 

To volunteer, go to www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b44aaac29a75-stillwater, and sign up or visit Stillwater Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Facebook for more information. 

By Shayla Terrel