TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The Ruthmarie Bauer Newport Thanksgiving Day Dinner in Terre Haute has been providing free Thanksgiving meals to those in need for decades now. 2024 was no different.
The event served food both dine-in and carry out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Patrick Church Parish Life Center. There were even volunteers, like Rachel Stayer, from out of town who come each year just to make a plate for someone who needs it.
“This is my favorite time of year, specifically because of this. I just love coming, I even came a day early this year,” Stayer said. “It just makes me so excited to spread the joy of the holidays and to have everyone super excited and able to eat on Thanksgiving.”
William Goss started his Thanksgiving off by stopping in for some mashed potatoes and turkey. He says that he is thankful to have a tradition like this in the community.
“I hope that it continues and that people can continue serving the community,” Goss said.
Given the long history of the event, it does not appear to be going anywhere in the near future according to Stayer.
“Ever since I was born, I’ve been coming here,” Stayer said. “Obviously I don’t remember the early years, but since I was about seven, I definitely grew to love this and just love serving people.”
Organizers say that the event provides 800 to 1,000 Thanksgiving meals each year.
