Frontline Mission hosting 11th annual Thanksgiving Dinner

WASILLA — Frontline Mission is holding the 11th annual From the Heart Thanksgiving Dinner at the Menard Sports Center Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event is free to attend with no eligibility requirements. It features free meals with turkey, mashed potatoes, numerous dessert options, and other food items to choose from.

Frontline Mission Executive Director Matthew Sheets said that overall preparations for the event are going well and they're expecting to serve about 1,800 meals this year.

"We're definitely looking forward to this community-led event, " Sheets said.

Sheets said they're adding more games and activities to the kids area this year, including bounce houses and face painting. "It just creates a fun atmosphere," Sheets said.

While a lot of people experiencing homelessness or other financial hardships attend this event, it’s also highly attended by a wide range of people from all walks of life.

Sheets said it’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere that provides a pleasant social experience for everyone.

"It’s more than a meal,” Sheets said. “There’s a place for everybody. It’s just about gathering together. Anyone’s welcome."

Sheets said this event started small 11 years ago, but it's grown dramatically over time. He said that shows there's a strong need in the community but there's also a large amount of local businesses, groups, and individuals willing to help address it by donating time, money, and other resources.

"I think it's just a testament of the spirit of the community wanting to give back and support," Sheets said. "Lots of community members have stepped up. It's so instrumental for anything Frontline does."

According to Sheets, there's about 390 volunteer slots that were mostly filled up. He noted that people can still sign up to volunteer if they have an interest to do so.

The Menard Sports Center is located at 1001 South Clapp Street just outside downtown Wasilla. For more information, call 907-357-8600.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com