TOPEKA – The Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation (CTDF) is seeking volunteers and food donations to continue the tradition of serving a hot, hearty meal on Thanksgiving Day.

With the motto, “No one need dine alone,” volunteers from across the city to ensure every community member has the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal every year. The 2009 dinner will be on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26th) from noon to 3:00 at Agricultural Hall.

“As the big dinner event draws nearer, our board turns to the community to provide volunteers and donated food items,” said Myron Johnson, CTDF board president.

The foundation is asking the public for help collecting non-perishable food items. New this year, items can be dropped off at all Topeka Fire Stations any time of day from November 19 through November 22nd. During November 23 through November 25 (Monday – Wednesday), food donations can be made at the Agricultural Hall, Kansas Expocentre from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Special requests for food pickups are also accepted via phone. Contact Myron Johnson at (785) 215-2897.

The foundation also accepts donations to help with the purchase of turkeys and other items. Cash or check donations can be made at any CoreFirst Bank & Trust location. Checks can also be mailed to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation at PO Box 432, Topeka, KS 66601.

Only non-perishable food items can be donated to the fire stations, (Nov. 19 – 22nd ONLY!):
Instant potatoes
Canned jellied cranberries
Canned candied yams
Boxed stuffing mix
Canned green beans
Canned chicken broth
Coffee grounds
Canned evaporated milk

Volunteers are the driving force behind the success of the annual dinner. Food preparation is scheduled to begin the Monday before Thanksgiving. Volunteer opportunities range from cooking preparation, serving, kitchen help and meal delivery for home-bound meal recipients. Volunteers can sign up through United Ways 2-1-1, toll free number.

“The United Way is proud to provide support to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation,” said Miriam Krehbiel, United Way of Greater Topeka president and CEO. “This event is one of many which showcases how a community which Lives United can do more than any single person alone.”

For information on the dinner, volunteer opportunities or ways to donate, call 2-1-1. United Way’s 2-1-1 is the community link to available health and human services, information, volunteer opportunities, H1N1 facts and more. All volunteers for the event will be coordinated through the United Way of Greater Topeka Volunteer Center.