HERMISTON — Volunteers with the Community Fellowship Dinner are making a list and checking it twice. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, members of the core crew have been busy preparing for the first of Hermiston’s free holiday meals, said Cathy Stolz, a member of the CFD board of directors.

Chairman Gary Humphreys said with the lingering uncertainty in regards to COVID-19, the board made a decision to again provide heat-and-serve meals.

The longtime holiday meal ministry offered drive-thru pick-up service for its Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in 2020.

“It’s hard because the first two words in our name are ‘community’ and ‘fellowship,’ and there isn’t much fellowship going on with this model,” Humphreys said in an interview earlier this month with EO Media Group.

Anyone that wants a traditional Thanksgiving meal is invited to pick one up Thursday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Hermiston High School, 600 S. First St. Meals do not have to be ordered in advance — community members are invited to drive up and receive a meal for each person in their household.

In addition, limited delivery service is available. To have a meal delivered, call 541-571-1337 no later than 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24.

Stolz said while volunteers won’t be able to sit down and visit with diners as in past years prior to the pandemic, the objective of providing a traditional meal is important. The menu includes turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, a roll and dessert.

“The man who started this years ago … had spent so many holidays by himself without a nice turkey or ham dinner,” Stolz said. “His whole idea was that nobody had to go without a holiday dinner on the holiday.”

Last year’s holiday season, Humphreys said, served a record 2,300 meals between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the board doesn’t expect the numbers to be that high this year, Humphreys said they will prepare extra meals — just in case.

“It is delicious. The gravy and the dressing are seasoned so well,” Stolz said. And she should know — Stolz owned and operated a restaurant for decades.

Volunteers still are needed, both before and during the event. Also, donations are appreciated. A nonprofit organization, the program operates on volunteers and donations.

The Community Fellowship Dinner for Christmas Day also will follow the heat-and-serve model. With 2022 being the 40th anniversary of the meal ministry, Humphreys said the board fully intends on resuming the “fellowship” part of the dinner.

“Our goal is to have live people in the building and having a hot meal together next year,” he said. “That’s what we want.”

For questions or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 541-571-1337. For more information, search Facebook for “Community Fellowship Dinner — Hermiston.”

In addition to the Community Fellowship Dinner in Hermiston, several other communities are offering holiday meals on Thanksgiving Day. Each of the dinners are free to anyone in the community.

PENDLETON

Community Dinner: To Go Style

• The Salvation Army

• 150 S.E. Emigrant Ave.

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A traditional holiday meal of turkey with all the fixings, including dessert, will be packaged hot and ready-to-eat. Anyone that wants a meal is invited to stop by for the takeout service. Deliveries for senior citizens, shut-ins and those with disabilities need to be arranged by Wednesday, Nov. 24.

Because of continued COVID-19 concerns, The Salvation Army Pendleton Corps is not utilizing volunteers at this time. However, the community can still help by donating food, supplies and financial contributions, said Maj. Toni Halstad.

Even if an abundance of donations come in, she said they will be graciously accepted and used. The number of people the nonprofit organization has been serving in its regular meal program has greatly increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Also, Halstad said costs have skyrocketed with preparing to-go meals six days a week instead of having dine-in service at the facility. Clamshell packaging, plastic utensils, paper products, plastic bags and bottled water are among some of their needs

“That stuff gets expensive,” Halstad said. “Every little bit helps.”

For questions or to schedule delivery service, call 541-276-3369. For more information, search www.facebook.com/salarmypendleton.

BOARDMAN

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

• Port of Morrow Riverfront Center

• 2 E. Marine Drive

• 1:30-4 p.m.

A free holiday dinner and faith-based service is being held for the 13th year in Boardman. The meal options include dine-in, takeout and delivery service for shut-ins.

The community is invited to celebrate the season with family and friends. The praise service starts at 1:30 p.m. and dinner will be served from 2-4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by several area businesses and churches. For more information or to schedule a delivery, contact Teresa Parsons at 503-724-8823 or froggy8797@gmail.com.

HEPPNER

Community Thanksgiving Meal

• Gateway Cafe

• 168 N. Main St.

• 1 p.m.

Gateway Cafe, in conjunction with the Elohim Covenant Ministries, will host a holiday meal for the community. The Bank of Eastern Oregon donated turkeys; other food donations are welcome.

Everyone is invited to enjoy the meal with friends and neighbors. Food will start being served at 1 p.m.

For questions or to donate food items, call Alvin Liu at 541-980-2014 or call/text Kim Ruhl at 541-490-6068. For more information, including a list of needed items, search www.facebook.com/Gatewaycafeheppner.