Scott Swanson
Folks who are experiencing hard times this Thanksgiving have two chances at turkey dinners during the holiday week.
The Sweet Home Elks Lodge will serve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, to anyone who “won’t have an opportunity to have a decent Thanksgiving dinner,” Exalted Ruler Al Bashaw said.
The Point restaurant will serve dinner, for free to anyone who can’t afford to pay, on Thanksgiving Day.
Bashaw said that the free dinner is the first the lodge has served since he’s been involved with the local Elks.
Edie Fields and Darold Bowen are the ones who came up with the idea “and got everything going,” he said.
“Edie made the comment that there are some homeless people around town,” Bashaw said. “She hopes they show up.”
He said most of the food has been donated by the Fair Share Gleaners and cash donations from lodge members are taking care of the rest. Members have donated turkeys that will be prepared for the feast.
“There’s a general feeling that because of the economy and everything, we have the sense that there are more people now who could use help than there have been in the past,” Bashaw said. “As you drive through town, you see what appears to be more people in need than we’ve seen in the past.
With the kids food pack program we have now, I wasn’t aware that there are kids who are going to school who are homeless.”
Bashaw said the lodge is typically closed on Tuesdays, so the main focus on Nov. 23 will be the dinner.
“We have no idea how many people are going to show up,” he said. “We’re hoping we have enough food. When we run out, we run out.
At The Point, owner Michael Hall said he’s planning to serve a “traditional” turkey dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
“I just think there is a need and I don’t think you should charge on Thanksgiving,” he said. If people want to donate, a donation box for Little Promises children’s program will be available for contributions.
“Lots” of volunteers from the community will help serve, Hall said.
He said The Point has served Thanksgiving dinner in the past but it was discontinued for a time.
“We think this is a good idea,” he said.