The smell of Thanksgiving will be in the air again. The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres is hosting its 18th Annual Free Thanksgiving Community Meal. The meal and the event are FREE for all in the community who have no place to go or who are unable to make their own dinner for whatever reason. This is a sit-down meal served by a crew of volunteers. Carry-out to-go meals will be available.
The event will be held at the parish hall of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church located at 2514 Lee Boulevard, across from the Lehigh Walmart on Thanksgiving Day November 23th from 11 am to 1 pm.
“It has been important to our club to not stop this tradition since so many people in our area look forward to this event. Every year we serve about 700 meals at Thanksgiving. We do our best to prepare a delicious meal with all the sides and yummy desserts. We welcome anyone who shows up and wants to join us,” said Fred Elliott, chairman of the dinner.
Preparation for the community dinner begins late Tuesday and continues into the Thursday holiday. More than 50 volunteers help prepare, serve, and clean up. For those who help it truly is a labor of love. “The event would not be possible without the help from all the volunteers,” Elliott said.
“The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres is happy to continue this tradition. This year we will cook about 35 large turkeys, each weighing around 20 pounds, and several large hams. The sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, sweet potatoes, roll, and pie,” Elliott said. Elliott said that last year’s event served a record number of people.
The dinner is free—and free means free. “Nobody has to pay for anything. We enjoy doing this for the community and it has become very successful for us.” Those wishing to support the event and Rotary’s mission have an option to make a donation in a Wishing Well, which is right out front. Elliott noted that nobody should feel badly if they are unable to contribute. “Free is the magic word, but there are those who insist that they donate money to the Wishing Well. We appreciate those that do.” Elliott said.
The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
