Community Invited to Feast Together This Thanksgiving

What started off as a Thanksgiving meal shared by about 20 people more than five years ago has blossomed into a feast for 100.

The first Community Dinner was held in 2005.

“We seated 12 and fed another 10,” said Terri O'Neill, founder of the organization and director of community/human services for Lemont Township. “Last year we fed 100. It was just wonderful.”

She expects around the same amount of people for this year’s dinner, which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, at the Office, 1115 Warner Ave.

The meal is not only for those who are struggling financially, O'Neill said, but also for those who just don’t want to sit home alone on a day known for gathering with loved ones, or anyone who wants to share a meal in the spirit that Thanksgiving was meant to create.

“If you do not have a table to pull up to, know that there is a chair at ours for you,” O'Neill said.

Food donations are needed for the meal, and can be dropped off at the Lemont Township Office from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, or from noon to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Needed offerings include prepared dishes such as potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, meat, breads, desserts, drinks, and Chinet plates.

For more information, e-mail hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.