Runde Truck Keeps Thanksgiving in Dubuque Rolling

When naming what you are thankful for on Thanksgiving in Dubuque, you might take one thing for granted: the big meal.

There are thousands of people who don’t have a family dinner to look forward to on Thanksgiving in Dubuque, but thanks to Genny Ginter, they won’t go hungry.

This year marks the 53rd annual free Dubuque Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Last year the event served 2,200 people.

“I’m making 86 turkeys this year – probably 90 just to be safe,” Genny said.

The event will be Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 781 Locust St. in Dubuque. The sit-down dinner will be at 1:30 p.m. and Santa will be in attendance at 3 p.m.

The meal will also be delivered to the elderly and those who can’t make it to the KC hall.

“There’s a need for it,” Genny said. “There are a lot of elderly people. The homes don’t have Meals on Wheels delivered on Thanksgiving Day or any other holiday.”

The tradition was started by Genny’s mother, Donna Ginter, who passed away last year.

Runde Auto Group donates the Community Support Truck each year to deliver meals, and transport turkeys, supplies, roasters, tables and other items.

“I use it every day for everything,” Genny said. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without this truck.”

If you are interested in volunteering for the Ginter family Thanksgiving in Dubuque, there is a need for delivery drivers. All you need to do is show up at 9 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall and commit until at least 2:30 p.m.

Runde Auto Group is a used car dealer near Dubuque and the Runde Community Support Truck is available free for use by area nonprofits. It has previously been used by organizations like churches, the food pantry, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Walk, The Salvation Army and more. If you are interested in renting the truck, call 866-735-5200 and ask for the Marketing Department.