RE: RIVER VALLEY: Finding a family this Thanksgiving

— The Arkansas Farm Bureau reported that Thanksgiving dinner will cost a family of 10 an average of $39.61, or just less than $4 a person.

They report that’s down $1.14 from last year because the cost of turkey is coming down.

Does that mean fewer people will be without a turkey this holiday season?

There’s no way to be sure, but Thanksgiving is a time when we’re often aware of those less fortunate.

Food banks are usually in full swing taking donations. Bethlehem House in Conway is planning a Thanksgiving dinner and is busy handing out food boxes to the public.

This will be Debbie Crosby’s fifth year with the nonprofit in Conway. She said Bethlehem House’s annual Thanksgiving dinner is always something to look forward to. This year’s meal will be provided by Trinity Worship Center.

“They’ll drop it off, and our staff and volunteers will be feeding the homeless and anyone who wants to stop by,” she said.

In previous years, Bethlehem House has fed as many as 50 people on Thanksgiving Day.

“We always have a big turnout for it,” Crosby said. “It’s bad because it is the holidays, and people should be with their family.”

Not everyone has a traditional family with a traditional table to sit around, however. And that’s where Bethlehem House comes in.

“They can come here and feel welcome,” Crosby said. “They can get as much food as they’d like. Our staff really takes care of them. It’s like an extended family.”

The city of Conway also traditionally hosts a meal at noon on Thanksgiving Day to support those without homes or family.

Similarly, the city of Mayflower is working up to a big event, planned for Saturday, Dec. 4, called Christmas in the Park.

“Canned goods will be donated for that day. We’ll collect coats and those kinds of things for the people that need it,” Mayor Randy Holland said.

The event is an old-time Christmas party, complete with salted hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus and ... about 50 or 60 guys on motorcycles. (Because what old-time Christmas party would be complete without them, right?)

“We have all kinds of churches that come and bring their choirs and singers,” Holland continued. “It’s one of the best things I’ve seen since I’ve been mayor here.”

For Thanksgiving itself, Holland said, he is looking forward to celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday at City Hall with a cookout, and then with his family in Branson, Mo.

“My father-in-law has a house up there,” Holland said. “My wife likes to shop, and I walk to the old town and look at all the Christmas stuff that’s already out.”

Branson is no doubt a popular destination for the holidays, but this year, like many others, I’ll be eating my turkey this Thanksgiving on the beach in Florida with family, and I hope everyone has a great holiday.

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