Elks Members Busy Cooking Up Free Meals

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer-

Tough economic times may bring more people to the Elks Club's 21st annual free Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow - and the Elks will be ready.

According to Elks member Dan Brumfield, who, with other members, was busy today cooking turkeys at the American Legion, the Elks will have 30 turkeys, 80 pounds of ham, 20 gallons of sweet potatoes and green beans and 80 to 90 pies.

"Usually we have about 550 people ... and we give the leftover meat to the Boys and Girls Club," Brumfield said. "This year we're planning on feeding between 550 and 650 people."

Approximately 125-175 meals also are delivered, he said.

He said the tradition began in 1980, with Mike and Alice Schooley as the driving force. The Schooley are still involved, he said.

The annual dinner is free and open to the public. Dinner will be served at Center Lake Pavilion between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cooking began today at the Legion, which donates the use of its ovens for the turkeys, and will continue at the pavilion tomorrow. Volunteers from the Elks and interested individuals from the community, will cook, serve and clean up on Thanksgiving Day.

"We get a lot of support from the community," he said.

Carry-outs also are available, as are deliveries. For free delivery, or for more information about the event, call the Elks at 267-7802 after 3 p.m. today or tomorrow morning. [[In-content Ad]]

Tough economic times may bring more people to the Elks Club's 21st annual free Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow - and the Elks will be ready.

According to Elks member Dan Brumfield, who, with other members, was busy today cooking turkeys at the American Legion, the Elks will have 30 turkeys, 80 pounds of ham, 20 gallons of sweet potatoes and green beans and 80 to 90 pies.

"Usually we have about 550 people ... and we give the leftover meat to the Boys and Girls Club," Brumfield said. "This year we're planning on feeding between 550 and 650 people."

Approximately 125-175 meals also are delivered, he said.

He said the tradition began in 1980, with Mike and Alice Schooley as the driving force. The Schooley are still involved, he said.

The annual dinner is free and open to the public. Dinner will be served at Center Lake Pavilion between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cooking began today at the Legion, which donates the use of its ovens for the turkeys, and will continue at the pavilion tomorrow. Volunteers from the Elks and interested individuals from the community, will cook, serve and clean up on Thanksgiving Day.

"We get a lot of support from the community," he said.

Carry-outs also are available, as are deliveries. For free delivery, or for more information about the event, call the Elks at 267-7802 after 3 p.m. today or tomorrow morning. [[In-content Ad]]

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