In depth: Event offers free meal on Thanksgiving

People who can't afford to prepare their own meal or simply don't want to eat alone this Thanksgiving will once again be able to dine for free at the 7th Street Feast.

The 14th annual 7th Street Feast will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran School, Seventh and Osage streets.

Co-coordinator Joey Denney said the annual free Thanksgiving meal was started by a small group of people at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

About 160 people were served meals that first year.

Last year, more than 1,500 people received meals.

Denney said a number of area churches now assist with the event. And more than 300 people volunteered for the event last year.

Denney and John Goodloe are the coordinators.

"It's a very rewarding day," Denney said.

He said the 7th Street Feast is open to anyone who wants a meal. No questions are asked.

The meal with include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls and dessert.

"It's a full Thanksgiving meal," Denney said.

He said people can dine at the St. Paul Lutheran School or carry out meals from that location. People also can call to arrange delivery of meals.

People wanting to arrange delivery of meals can call St. Paul Lutheran Church at 913-682-0387. Beginning Wednesday, they can try an alternate number, 913-682-0336.

Denney said volunteers delivered more than 800 meals during last year's 7th Street Feast.

He said the meals are prepared for delivery in the basement of St. Joseph Church, 306 N. Broadway.

Others in the county have been volunteering their time or making donations to help feed local residents for Thanksgiving.

One of those efforts has taken place at the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office, which wrapped its third annual Traglio Turkey Drive Friday.

The Sheriff's Office collected food items and monetary donations with a goal of feeding 25 families in Leavenworth County, said Undersheriff Jim Sherley.

The drive is named after a deputy with the Sheriff's Office who died of cancer earlier this year.

Traglio is credited with starting the food drive.

Donations from this year's driver will be turned over to various organizations across the county for distribution.

Twitter: @LVTNewsJohnR