Frontline Mission preparing to serve over 70 turkeys Thanksgiving Day

WASILLA — Frontline Mission volunteers from across the Mat-Su Valley are preparing to serve 76 turkeys to community members during this year’s free Thanksgiving dinner event at the Menard Sports Center.

“I think it’s very important this year because of the high cost of groceries,” Frontline Mission communications and technology coordinator Tyler Bowman said.

Bowman has participated in numerous Thanksgiving dinners in the past. He said that he enjoys playing his part and getting to see how impactful this event is.

“I think it’s really living up to the Frontline Mission statement. It’s just bringing the community together and having a meal,” Bowman said. “It’s really about building those connections."

When we have a meal together, we can understand each other.”

Thanksgiving dinner guests will have the opportunity to load their plates with plenty of turkey, side dishes and dessert items. There will also be gifts given out throughout the event.

Frontline Mission offers a variety of programs such as food distribution, shower and laundry services, and a job center. All of these services are free and offered throughout the year.

Bowman said there are no requirements and everyone is welcome to stop by.

“To have a place where everyone can come on a regular basis is very important,” Bowman said.

According to Bowman, there are still volunteer slots open for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. He said they usually have an average of about 300 volunteers that come together to keep this community tradition going year after year.

“It’s a big effort,” Bowman said. “We can’t do anything without the support of the community. We can only keep it going because of the volunteers we have and the community support in the form of donations.”

The dinner runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

For more information, call 907-357-8600 or visit frontlinemission.org.

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