Archive Photo: Free Thanksgiving Dinner at Deer Park High School.
Looking for a way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your community? Join the free annual Community Thanksgiving Banquet this weekend, where neighbors, friends, and families come together for a warm meal and share gratitude.
The banquet’s purpose is simple yet impactful: to provide a welcoming space where individuals and families can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal while expressing gratitude for the close-knit Deer Park community.
Christ’s Church of Deer Park is set to host their annual community Thanksgiving meal. Scheduled for November 23rd from 4pm to 6pm, the event will occur at Deer Park High School, located at 800 S. Weber Rd. Everyone is welcome, so bring your loved ones and help foster a sense of inclusion and shared joy.
This cherished tradition began in 2002, when Leona Sargent, a café owner in Loon Lake, opened her doors to serve a free Thanksgiving dinner to those without holiday plans. Her home-cooked meal, complete with turkey, stuffing, and classic sides, made every guest feel like family. Over the years, the gathering grew from serving 125 meals to more than 800, necessitating larger venues like Deer Park High School.
Though Leona has passed on, Christ’s Church of Deer Park continues her vision, ensuring this annual event symbolizes generosity and connection in the community.
As Deer Park prepares for another memorable celebration, let’s remember that the spirit of giving extends beyond this banquet. If you know of other free Thanksgiving meals happening in the area, share the details on our Facebook page DPGazette.com/fbthanks24. Together, we can spread the warmth and goodwill that make our community so special.
