Co-coordinator of the Greene Community Thanksgiving Dinner Kim Pickard, cleaning up behind the scenes. (Submitted photo)

GREENE – Community members in need of a Thanksgiving meal are invited to take part in the annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner distributed from the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Greene on November 26.

Residents should place their order ahead of time and can do so in person at Bassett Primary Care, 29 N. Chenango St., Greene, or by calling the Methodist Church at 607-656-8363, where an answering machine is available 24 hours a day. Questions can also be directed to coordinators Ken or Kim Pickard at 607-316-9582 or through Facebook Messenger. This initiative also provides a great opportunity to give back and volunteer.

The tradition began more than 20 years ago through volunteers at the church and has been carried on by former restaurateurs Ken and Kim Pickard for about the last decade. They first became involved as volunteers before taking over as coordinators.

“We moved to the community and realized we wanted to serve. We wanted to serve the community,” said Ken, who described how they searched for a way to contribute and found the community Thanksgiving dinner. He said the first time they volunteered, they weren't sure what to expect, but they decided to keep returning because he was touched by the impact it made on the community. After volunteering for a while, the Pickards were eventually offered the roles of coordinators by a church member.

To volunteer for the community Thanksgiving dinner, reach out to Ken or Kim, and they will tell you what help you can provide.

“Most of the time we need drivers, sometimes we need people just to help mash the potatoes, or debone the turkey, or help package up the meals,” Ken said, noting that volunteers are crucial for delivering the meals to folks who don't drive.

Each year, the volunteers prepare over 100 meals, roasting around 20 turkeys and preparing homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, vegetables and gravy.

“The ladies here at the Methodist Church get together and make all the pies,” said Pickard. Pickard, a former chef and co-owner of the Trojan House Deli, mentioned that the dinner's homemade stuffing recipe came from his grandmother.

The event began as a traditional sit-down meal at the church, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has operated as a pickup and delivery service. Volunteers deliver meals throughout the Greene area, including to residents at a local senior housing complex.

Organizers emphasize that the dinner is open to everyone, with no eligibility requirements.

“We don't discriminate from anybody, we don't ask any questions,” Pickard said. “There's nobody denied a meal, regardless of whoever they are or where they come from or what they do. If they need it, just call, put your name on the list. Let us know how many meals you need, and they'll be here waiting for you or we'll be delivering them if that's what you need,” he added.

They are even able to accommodate food allergies if told ahead of time.

The community effort is funded entirely through donations and relies on volunteers to make the event possible. Organizers are currently seeking monetary donations and contributions of food items for the meal. Those interested in volunteering or donating can contact Ken or Kim Pickard at 607-316-9582 or reach out through Facebook Messenger, and they will explain how to help.