Annual Salida Community Dinner welcomes all from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, 2023
2023 Salida Community Thanksgiving Dinner poster. Image courtesy Vickie Sue Vigil/SCC
The Salida Community Center (SCC), located at 305 F Street is once again offering a traditional free Thanksgiving Dinner to locals and visitors alike. Everyone involved is a volunteer and completely unpaid.
The dinner welcomes everyone in Salida; offering a chance to mingle with neighbors, and make new friends.
Those needing delivery to their home are asked to call 719-539-3351 by 5:00 p.m. on TUESDAY, Nov. 21. While a full volunteer crew appears to be in place, anyone wishing to help is welcome to show up and assist.
Sponsors include Monarch Community Outreach, High Country Bank, Collegiate Peaks Bank, and Jefferson Farms, with donations from numerous area businesses and individual contributors.
SCC asks for your help
The Salida Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID: 84-0718501) operates a variety of programs throughout the year. They range from providing food to over 900 low-come individuals, families, and seniors on a monthly basis to food for over 135 seniors, and school pantry distribution. Rental space is also offered as well as commercial kitchen rental.
As a result of the 2022 election, the Community Center was conveyed by the City of Salida to the operators (Salida Senior Citizens, Inc.) on Dec. 20, 2022. Basic operating expenses for the center are more than $50,000 per year, and increases in insurance and utilities are anticipated in 2024.
“We’re budgeting for 2024. While we have incredible supporters who donate vital in-kind services and help cover unforeseen repairs and expenses, we are now the owners of a decades-old building,” said Executive Director Elaine Allemang.
“Financial contributions from businesses and individuals will help us keep our building in good shape and allow us to plan ahead,” she added.
To provide more accurate budgeting and ensure that its largest programs can cover their costs, the center has created a tiered donation program to help supporters select programs or events that appeal to them and help ensure their funding.
- $100 Flag Day Program covers the placement of flags downtown for President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.
- $250 Food Distribution Programs. Note on the donation support for: 900 families/month, 200 Student Food Bags/week, or another event of choice.
- $750 Holiday Dinners helps offset the $11,000 annual expense to serve more than 700 people at each meal
- $2,500 All Events sponsor
- Other
Donations of $500 or more will be publicly acknowledged on a banner at each event and may be sent to:
Salida Community Center
305 F Street
Salida, CO 81201-2601
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