DES MOINES, Iowa — For three decades, Bob Iverson has served as the leader of the Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner organization with Chuck's Restaurant.
"My personal goal was do as many meals as we can with the least amount of stress," he said. "First part was easy. The second part not so much."
But after this year, Iverson is hanging up his apron.
"I can't run with the big dogs like I used to, you know," he said. "Getting around is a fair amount harder for me than it was 30 years ago. 30 years is a good round number."
Over 30 years, Iverson and his team have served about 100,000 meals to the Des Moines community. At this Thanksgiving meal alone, he estimates the organization served 3,100 meals.
But it's not just the meals that have made an impact; it's Iverson himself.
"There's photos of me and Bob from the time that I was like three, every Thanksgiving," said volunteer Justine Gelner. "And I'm honored that I get to continue to be a part of it and I wouldn't have missed this year for anything."
That feeling of respect is mutual.
"Just the wonderful volunteers that give up part of their day or all their day to do this," Iverson said. "It's amazing to me."
The free meal at Chuck's Restaurant will continue next year under new leadership. Meanwhile, Iverson is looking forward to the next chapter.
"Next few years are going to be kind of different because I won't know what to do on Thanksgiving," Iverson said with a laugh. "I might actually get to watch a football game."