The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres is hosting its 15th Annual Free Thanksgiving Community Meal. This year the event offers those who attend an option to either dine in and sit down at the parish hall or drive thru and pick up meals. The meal is free and the event is designed to provide a free meal for all in the community who have no place to go or who are unable to come up with their own dinner for whatever reason.

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 Nov. 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Last year because of COVID-19 we had had to modify our traditional sit down meal into a Drive Thru/Pick Up event. We still served over 700 meals. This year we our giving our guests an option of either coming inside to sit down and dine in the hall or picking up a to-go dinner drive thru style. It has been important to our club to not stop this tradition since so many people in or area look forward to this event. Either way will be the same menu of delicious food.” said Fred Elliott, the chairman of the dinner.

Preparation for the community dinner begins late Tuesday and continues into the Thursday holiday. More than 40 volunteers help prepare, serve and cleanup. 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 28 large turkeys, each weighing around 20 pounds and several large hams. Sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, sweet potatoes, roll and pumpkin pie.” Elliott said. He also said that last year’s event served a record number of people.

Elliott noted, the dinner is free and that 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.

And due to the generosity of many who attend there was enough money in the fund from last year to buy the turkeys and hams and some the other ingredients for this year’s dinner.

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.