Centerton to Host Free Community Thanksgiving Meal

CENTERTON, Ark. — Volunteers in Centerton are preparing for their annual community Thanksgiving dinner, which will take place on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Centerton Community Room.

On the night before Thanksgiving, community members gathered to carve turkeys and hams for those in need. Mayor Bill Edwards expressed pride in the community’s efforts, saying, “This is actually an awesome community. We like to have those community events and keep the small-town feeling alive.”

In previous years, the dinner has served around 120 people and delivered about 30 meals. Mayor Edwards anticipates a greater need this year due to ongoing economic challenges. “I know a lot of people are struggling right now, with the economy and getting back to work,” he said. “We have a lot of people moving here, and many don’t have friends or family.”

Volunteers brought their own techniques to the carving duties, all with the shared goal of maximizing the amount of meat served. “It’s about finding every nook and cranny to make sure that families get enough to eat,” said Wendy Henson, a Centerton City Council member and volunteer.

The carving night was not just about preparing food; it also fostered community spirit. Volunteer Craig Gavin noted, “It shows the spirit of the town to see this many people coming out and volunteering. It does the heart good.”

Residents who are homebound or without transportation can request meal delivery within city limits. “Anyone here in Centerton who doesn’t have a way to get here, or is homebound, we’ll be happy to deliver a meal,” Mayor Edwards added.

The goal of the dinner is not only to fill stomachs but also to bring people together. “I want them to feel full and have a great meal, and hopefully, they make some new friends and have a good feeling about our community,” Edwards said.

The Centerton Community Thanksgiving Dinner is located at 290 North Main Street.