Dubuque’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal Will Continue This Year!
For over 60 years, the Ginter family brought Dubuque together with a free Thanksgiving meal. Donna Ginter first opened her home to local truckers on Thanksgiving in 1961, and from that humble beginning, the annual event blossomed into a community tradition. Donna and her husband, Joe, moved the meal downtown as it grew, and by 2019, the family and community volunteers were serving or delivering more than 2,500 meals to those in need. For many, the gathering became more than just a meal—it was a source of warmth, fellowship, and the spirit of community, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and those without a place to celebrate.
After Donna’s passing in 2013, her children continued the tradition, but in early 2023, they announced that last year’s meal would be their final one. Genny Ginter explained that the family, now older and ready to spend holidays together, felt deeply grateful for the impact of their mother’s tradition. While the community expressed sadness at this chapter closing, the Ginter family’s wish was that others would step forward to continue the spirit of giving.
That wish has now been realized, thanks to the efforts of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This year, Dubuque-area nonprofits, churches, colleges, and businesses have decided to keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive, and on November 28th from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, community members can enjoy a free, sit-down Thanksgiving meal at several locations, including:
- Crescent Community Health Center – 1620 Elm St., Dubuque
- Dubuque Rescue Mission – 398 Main St., Dubuque
- Hills & Dales Lifetime Center – 3505 Stoneman Rd., Dubuque
- Lu Lu’s Seldom Scene – 23 Sinsinawa Ave, East Dubuque, Ill. (reservations required at 815-747-8816)
- Salvation Army – 1099 Iowa St., Dubuque
- St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish House Community Center – 1458 W. Locust St., Dubuque
- Westminster Presbyterian Church – 2155 University Ave., Dubuque
The University of Dubuque Dining Center will prepare the meals, continuing the community’s commitment to bringing warmth, food, and fellowship to those in need. Everyone deserves a hot meal and holiday cheer on Thanksgiving, and so volunteers will serve or deliver over 1,400 meals with a smile. But your financial support is still needed for the food and supplies to provide the dinner. While the Ginter family’s iconic meal has ended, the tradition lives on with renewed support, honoring Donna Ginter’s legacy of compassion and generosity.
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