Heaven's Kitchen to provide Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday

HARRISBURG - State Sen. Dale Fowler says Heaven's Kitchen in Harrisburg plans to provide 2,500 meals for area residents on Wednesday.

"If ever there's been a time to provide Thanksgiving for a community, this is it," Fowler said. "This is going to help a lot of folks this Thanksgiving."

Due to safety concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are not planning to host large family gatherings, Fowler said. In addition, due to the economic impact of closures related to the pandemic, many people in the area may not be able to afford to prepare a Thanksgiving feast.

In addition, several community meals provided by churches and other organizations will not happen this Thanksgiving due to concerns about spreading COVID-19.

Heaven's Kitchen, which Fowler and other volunteers started in 2018, normally provides a weekly meal for community residents on Tuesdays. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meal was held indoors at the Harrisburg First Presbyterian Church Annex at 21 W. Locust St. Since the pandemic began, though, meals have been limited to a carryout basis.

This week, the meal will not be prepared for Tuesday. Instead, the Thanksgiving meal will be available for carryout from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the church annex, Fowler said. Social distancing rules apply.

The meal consists of brown sugar ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, a roll and pie.

Fowler thanked the organizations and companies who are donating to help provide the meals. That includes the Fortress Community, Little Chapel Church, Ameren Illinois, Laborers Local 773 and TLC of Southern Illinois.

"We're so grateful for all of the companies and organizations who are helping with this, and the many volunteers it will take to provide this Thanksgiving meal," Fowler said.

"This community has always pulled together to help during difficult times, and I greatly appreciate it."