Thanksgiving dinner

The Thanksgiving Dinner is a long-standing tradition in the Portage community. Each year, a group of parish volunteers coordinates a free Thanksgiving meal for those who are most in need in our community. We are proud to say that the Thanksgiving Dinner serves nearly 300 people every year and continues to grow.

Over the years, we have expanded the Thanksgiving meal from just a sit-down experience to one that offers curb-side meal pick-up and even meal delivery to those who are homebound. We recognize the need in our community are continuing to develop new ways to expand this ministry.

2020 Thanksgiving dinner information

Given the current global pandemic, there have been several changes made to the 2020 Thanksgiving Dinner. These changes have been made so that we can still offer a hot meal to the people in the Portage area who need one on this Thanksgiving holiday.

There will be no dine-in opportunity for Thanksgiving this year. With current restrictions, we are unable to allow for safe gathering of people for the Thanksgiving meal. 

We will be offering curbside carryout for people who call ahead. You can make a reservation to pick up your meal, but do not have to. All meals can be picked up at the W. Conant St. St. Mary School doors. Please call the Parish Office at 608-742-6998 for more information or to make your reservation.

We will be offering delivery to people in the Portage area. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call the Parish Office at 608-742-6998.

A free meal for everyone

Unlike many community Thanksgiving meals, the St. Mary OTIC meal is completely free for everyone who needs it. We recognize that many people have to struggle with the decision to buy a hot meal and pay their bills. We accept a free-will offering to help offset the costs, but most of the support comes from parishioners and businesses in the Portage community.

​Each year, we rely on donations to help make the Thanksgiving meal reach the widest population of our community. There are several ways that you can donate to help make this meal the best that it can be.

Donate your time

We are always looking for volunteers to make the dinner the most efficient it can be. With nearly 300 meals to serve, we need all the help we can get. You can volunteer your time by:

- Being a delivery driver
- Dining room servers & bussers
- Food preparers
- Dish washers
- So much more!

If you would like to volunteer your time, please contact Lisa Clemmons, the Director of Parish Administrations, at 608-742-6998 ext. 223 or by emailing lclemmons@stmaryotic.org.

Donate Your Talent

Do you like to bake pies? 

If you do, then donating your talents to the Thanksgiving Dinner might be the best way to go.

We are always in need of pies and there is no exception to the level of baking that you can do.

We accept apple, cherry, rhubarb, blueberry, pecan, peach, chocolate, and even the traditional pumpkin pie.

Just drop your homemade pies off at the St. Mary School on the morning of the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Donate your treasure

Strapped for time and don't bake? No need to worry!

We are always accepting monetary donations to help make the Thanksgiving Dinner successful.

We offer the meal to people on the idea that they give what they can to help offset the cost of the meal. While many people can donate, there are some who must choose between having a hot meal and paying their bills.

Every donation is always greatly accepted. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Lisa Clemmons, the Director of Parish Administrations, at 608-742-6998 ext. 223 or by emailing lclemmons@stmaryotic.org.