Rescue Mission seeks help for Thanksgiving meal prep, dessert

For more than 50 years, the United Gospel Rescue Mission has served Thanksgiving dinner to more than 1,300 Poplar Bluff area residents.

Preparing a meal each year for this many might seem like a daunting task, but Mission Executive Director Rev. Greg Kirk knows volunteers and desserts are two key ingredients to making Thanksgiving a success.

Kirk said the menu is for “your standard Thanksgiving meal of turkey, ham, green beans, corn and rolls.”

Folks who would like to have Thanksgiving meals delivered to them at home or work may begin signing up now by calling the mission at 573-785-4683 with their addresses, he said.

The nutrition center is closed on holidays and the mission wants to make sure they get a meal, Kirk said,

Another need is for the public to donate desserts like pumpkin pies, cakes or any dessert, Kirk said.

Kirk and his staff will begin accepting the desserts Monday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, Nov. 27. Kirk said, at least 170 pies and/or cakes will be needed to serve the expected crowd planning to observe the holiday with the mission.

The cooking will start Saturday with roasting of the turkeys, Kirk said.

Volunteers will be needed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to help with the prep work, like cutting vegetables, Kirk said.

Those who want to help prepare meals Thanksgiving Day should arrive after 7:30 a.m., Kirk explained. People delivering meals Thanksgiving Day should be at the mission at 10.15 a.m.

“I hope we have more than 1,300 to serve,” Kirk said.