Published: November 11, 2009 06:58 pm      

Harvest Outreach seeking Thanksgiving food

Shelia Reed of Harvest Outreach said there are so many needs at the ministry these days, “It’s not even funny.”

“We’ve lost a lot of businesses due to mergers and such,” she said on Wednesday. “A lot of places that have supported us for years have shut down.”

The nonprofit kitchen at 207 E. Morris St. in Dalton is seeking donations of food and funds for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Concert that will be at the North Georgia Fairgrounds, 500 Legion Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 26.

The ministry, which is in its 23rd year of serving the holiday meal, needs 50 turkeys, 500 pounds of chicken, ham and beef, plus many vegetables traditionally associated with the meal as well as butter, sour cream, crackers, sugar, flour and cranberry sauce. Home-cooked items such as casseroles, baked chicken and dressing, cakes, pies, cookies and candy will also be accepted.

Singers at the concert include the Reed Family, Southern Gospel Heirs, Lisa Asbury, Allen Coleman, Sharon Foskey, the Randolph Family and Jennie Terry.

Reed said anyone who would like to donate food or money for the meal, or is in need of transportation to the dinner and concert on Thanksgiving Day, can reach her at (706) 280-0883 or by e-mail to rharvest@windstream.net.

Breakfast, lunch and supper are served for free at mealtimes. Harvest Outreach is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.