On Thursday, Nov. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. McBob’s will host its 9th annual Community Thanksgiving, a free event that provides a nourishing meal and opportunity to gather for anyone in the community who doesn’t have a place to go for the holiday.

The first year the event launched, McBob’s fed 45 people. In 2020, they persisted through the pandemic by offering carry-out meals. Last year, they served over 300 people throughout the course of the day.

Owners Katie Klinnert and Sara McConville, who took over McBob’s last February, are gearing up to serve as many as 500 meals in 2024.

“Food brings people together in a really special way,” says Klinnert. “And we want to be a part of that, especially on a holiday that can be difficult for many people. We hope to be open throughout the day and provide a free holiday meal with turkey, ham and all the fixings for anyone who needs it.”

Klinnert says she has a particular investment in bringing joy to back to the season, which has been a difficult time for her in recent years.

“In 2017 I unexpectedly lost my dad over Thanksgiving weekend,” she says. “And the holiday has never really been enjoyable to me since. The smells and memories are not ones I wish to relive. However, I hope that this year will help to create new, fresh memories to cherish while having the opportunity to serve and spend time with people in my community.”

Contributions welcome

Klinnert is clear that the goal for the event is not to make money.

“Our goal is to serve others and give people a place to belong on a day that can be hard if you don't already have that place to go to. But we will depend on donations from partners, vendors, friends, and the community to help make it possible! In the end – if we can break even – that will be a blessing to us. We're looking for hands-on volunteers, donations of food and so much more to pull off an event of this magnitude."

Community members who would like to contribute to the effort can view the list of needs online and sign up to make donations or volunteer their time on Nov. 28. Monetary donations will also be accepted and can be dropped off at McBob’s.

“Our main focus and working theme is ‘Thankful for a Place to Belong.’ At McBob's, everyone is family and everyone is welcome,” says co-owner Katy Klinnert.

"Sometimes when I look around at the customers at the bar, it reminds me of the 'round table' at the local diner where I grew up. It's a beautiful blend of people from all walks of life – and what better time to celebrate that than at Thanksgiving?”