Grace’s Kitchen, church prepare for annual community Thanksgiving dinner

Karen Mishke drops off pies for the Cortez community Thanksgiving dinner in 2019.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and Grace’s Kitchen are preparing for their 19th annual community Thanksgiving dinner.

Because of COVID precautions, the meal will be served takeout from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 25. Grace’s Kitchen requests that everyone who would like a meal call or email in advance to arrange a pickup time, Annie Seder said in a news release.

Residents who can’t pick up a meal may sign up for a delivery until noon Nov. 22.

Last year’s dinner served an estimated 350 people from across Montezuma County, and the Rev. Doug Bleyle of St. Barnabas expects about the same number this year, Seder said.

The church is still looking for volunteers and donations. Most of the food that can be cooked in advance has been purchased, but Bleyle said the church’s greatest need is for financial donations.

Kitchen volunteers have begun to prepare turkeys for the dinner.

To volunteer, donate or sign up for meals, call or email: stbarnabascortez@gmail.com or 970-565-7865.