Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Dinner

November 28 | 7 AM – 3 PM | Dining Room

The Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Day Dinner is a beloved Indianapolis tradition that started in 1971 with a simple yet powerful vision by the Rev. Mozel Sanders of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. That year, Rev. Sanders and his wife served 20 meals to the poor and disabled in their neighborhood. Today, more than five decades later, the event has grown into a citywide celebration, serving over 40,000 meals across 52 satellite locations throughout Indianapolis each Thanksgiving Day.

What began as a small church initiative has grown into a monumental community effort. As demand increased, the dinner moved from the church to larger preparation sites—first at Arsenal Tech High School and later to Butler University, where it continues to serve on a massive scale. The dinner’s legacy has been carried forward by Rev. Sanders’ family—first by his son, Rev. Roosevelt Sanders, and now by his wife, Stephanie Sanders, who leads the Mozel Sanders Foundation, ensuring that this Thanksgiving tradition of giving continues to thrive.

More Than Just a Meal

The Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Day Dinner is about much more than simply providing meals. It’s about building community, forming lasting friendships, and offering companionship. It’s an opportunity for neighbors to sit together, pray together, enjoy a cup of coffee, share a slice of pie, and connect in meaningful ways. On Thanksgiving Day, we gather not only to feed the hungry but also to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for.

Pies: A Sweet Tradition of Giving

The Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Day Dinner has become famous for its homemade pies, which are shared alongside the meals. This year, we are asking for a special effort to bring sweet potato pies, a community favorite, along with any other pies you’d like to contribute.

Become a Volunteer

This year, at Tab—the largest and second-oldest satellite site—we will be serving around 1,000 meals. Volunteers are needed throughout the day, with shifts starting as early as 7am and the last shift starting at 1pm. Cleanup will take place from 2-3pm. Want to get involved or learn more? To sign up or learn more, visit the sign-up table in the McKee Hallway after worship on Sundays, or contact Mike O’Banyel.

A Call to Serve

Whether you donate a pie, volunteer a few hours, or simply come to share a moment with your neighbors, your involvement helps carry forward the legacy of kindness and compassion that started with Rev. Mozel Sanders. Join us in honoring this remarkable tradition on Thanksgiving Day. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact and build a stronger, more compassionate community. Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you this Thanksgiving as we continue to serve our neighbors, one meal at a time.