Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Determined that no one should miss out on a Thanksgiving dinner, whether for lack of funds, food or facilities, several community-minded organizations are doing the cooking.
For the 17th consecutive year, the Warsaw Elks Lodge 802 will serve free Thanksgiving dinners at the Center Lake Pavilion. Turkey (or ham) and all the trimmings will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28, with carry-outs and deliveries for anyone who can't come to the pavilion.
Last year the Elks served 28 turkeys, 80 pounds of ham, 75 pounds of yams, 70 pies and 18 gallons of green beans. Between 80 and 100 volunteers catered to approximately 400 in-house diners and almost 200 carry-outs and deliveries.
And, as usual, Mike and Alice Schooley started cooking Wednesday at the American Legion, which donated the use of its kitchen.
The Elks' dinner is free and open to the public; donations are accepted. The organization also takes contributions of paper goods, pies or other items used in serving the dinner.
Anyone interested in deliveries should call the Elks after 3 p.m. at 267-7802.
North Webster's American Legion Post 253 will again offer its annual complimentary Thanksgiving dinner at the Post from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28. As with the Elks, the Legion will offer the traditional Thanksgiving dinner to the public.
Deliveries for shut-ins are available with arrangements in advance (call 834-4297), and carry-outs will be available on Thanksgiving Day. The Legion will accept donations of cash or canned goods that can be distributed at Christmas.
Mentone's Helping Hands will give out food baskets at 2 p.m. Nov. 26 to families in need who live in the Tippecanoe Valley school district.
Helping Hands welcomes food donations for the baskets, and anyone wishing to make a donation should take it to Niff-Tone Dist., or call 353-7701 during the day. The organization also needs children's winter coats for distribution this year.
American Table Restaurant for the 10th year is offering free Thanksgiving dinners to patrons who are over 60 years old. Complete dinners, with a choice of turkey or ham, will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; diners pay only for their drinks.
Call American Table Restaurant at 267-8171 for more information.
