Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — It’s just a few days until the Routt County United Way’s Community Thanksgiving Din­ner and the organization still needs residents to commit to donating food.

“The menu is turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls and desserts,” United Way Executive Director Kelly Stanford said. “We still need all of that.”

Stanford estimated that last year’s event served between 550 and 600 people. She expects the turnout to this year’s Commu­nity Thanksgiving Dinner, from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Steamboat Springs Community Center, to be the same, if not greater.

“The economic impact being felt by families in the county is just as severe if not more severe than it was last year,” Stanford said. “There may be more people who need a free Thanksgiving dinner.”

Stanford said the United Way, which has partnered with Wells Fargo for this year’s free event, still needs about 10 to 12 turkeys and about 15 of each side dish.

Anyone wishing to donate food is encouraged to call the county United Way branch at 970-879-5605 to allow the organization to plan, but Stanford said no donors would be turned away if they showed up Thursday without notifying the organization.

Donated food needs to be precooked, in a disposable container and enough to serve eight to 10 people, Stanford said. She said turkeys don’t have to be carved. Food can be dropped off at the Community Center between 9:30 a.m. and noon Thursday.

One thing the United Way doesn’t need is volunteers, Stanford said. She said more than 50 people have agreed to give their time during the event.

Stanford said several local businesses also are helping out. She said the Steve Green Co., Steamboat Smokehouse, The Steamboat Grand, Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co., Freshies, Baby’s Away and Waste Management have provided supplies or equipment. She said the city of Steamboat Springs donated use of the Community Center.

There’s some concern each year that not enough food will be donated, but Stanford said the Community Thanksgiving Dinner always comes together. The event is open to everyone and Stanford encouraged people to attend.

“It’s a really fun event,” she said. “It’s a chance for people in the community to come together.”

— To reach Jack Weinstein, call 871-4203 or e-mail jweinstein@steamboatpilot.com