BLACKFOOT — For 13 years, Corenna Cannon has made sure no one in Blackfoot spends Thanksgiving alone.

The Community Dinner Table organizer is preparing for the annual free Thanksgiving meal, set for noon Thursday at the Methodist Church, 168 S. University Ave. Last year, about 200 people attended.

”We don’t like the thought of someone being alone,” Cannon said. “We wanted to try it and see what the response was, and it was overwhelming.”

The event started because organizers realized Blackfoot lacked a free community Thanksgiving meal. Thirteen years later, the tradition continues — even a pandemic couldn’t stop it.

“People would pull up and we would hand them their meal through the window,” Cannon said of the 2020 event during COVID-19 restrictions.

This year’s dinner will feature entertainment along with a traditional Thanksgiving spread. Organizers purchase large amounts of food to ensure they can take care of everyone.

”We’ve never had to turn anyone away,” Cannon said. “We try to accommodate everyone as best we can. We always have a good turnout.”

The event draws not just those who would otherwise be alone, but neighbors looking out for one another and families seeking community connection as the holiday season begins.

”People will stay and visit,” Cannon said. “Some people bring their neighbors who might be alone.”

For those unable to attend, The Community Dinner Table offers home delivery. Anyone interested should call or text 208-680-2585.

“They can call or text with a request if they or their neighbors need a meal,” Cannon said.

The dinner depends on community generosity, from volunteers to donors, Cannon said.

“We have a really generous community,” Cannon said. “People come to these kinds of events, they’re happy, they’ve been fed and they go home feeling like they had a good day.”

No invitation, income requirement or registration is needed — just show up.

“Anyone is welcome,” Cannon said. “There are no parameters that you have to meet to be able to come.”