Leechburg woman spends Thanksgiving week organizing holiday take-out dinner for 150

Jamie Rimmel never spends Thanksgiving Day in her own kitchen.

Instead, she volunteers her time every year organizing and cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the public at her church, Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg.

A free take-out Thanksgiving dinner will be offered Thursday to anyone from noon- 1 p.m. at the church. Reservations must be placed by Monday.

“We don’t turn anyone down because we believe in faith,” Rimmel said.

Rimmel is disappointed the dinner must be offered only as delivery or take-out this year, due to ongoing covid-19 restrictions.

“It’s disappointing we have to do this, but at least people can get their holiday meal,” Rimmel said. “Usually we have a sit-down meal with our diners inside the church.

Rimmel noted past Thanksgiving Day guests have included people who live alone or perhaps can’t supply themselves with a holiday meal.

“We do have families attend,” Rimmel said, “and we have lots of people not wanting to spend the day alone.”

About two dozen church volunteers help Rimmel during a two-day meal prep process.

Each meal includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, rolls, vegetable and dessert.

Last year’s meal served about 150 people.

They were paid for by donations from church and community members.

The cost of the event usually totals about $500.

“The first year we started this we served three people, and it kept increasing; and now we have held steady each year at about 150,” Rimmel said.

The Rev. Gary Lyon said sign-ups have exceeded expectations this year, with 157 reservations made so far.

Participants have two options to collect their meal: curbside pick-up to the church or free delivery to the Leechburg and Apollo area, including Gilpin and Washington Township.

“But, really, we’ll deliver to whoever needs it,” Rimmel said.

Rimmel organized the meal event 11 years ago, after the death of her husband, John.

“I felt like it was a calling. It just gives me satisfaction to bring everyone together,” Rimmel said. “Food is a great way to bring people together.”

It’s a volunteer family affair with Rimmel’s sisters Sheila Costanza, Cindy Sardon, Pam Washburn, Debbie Arb and Barbara Banner volunteering their time.

“My siblings jumped on board and we spend our Thanksgiving at the church, but not this year,” Rimmel said.

Said Lyon: “Jamie is totally committed to this with her family and marches forward with this. She’s awesome.”