The countdown has started: it’s less than week away and the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres will serve up its free Thanksgiving dinner.
Mike Buff will begin cooking the turkeys and preparing all the trimmings on Tuesday night.
It’s the club’s 11th year preparing the dinner.
Everyone in the community is invited to come, sit and enjoy the free holiday meal in the Parish Hall at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, at 2514 Lee Blvd.
According to Buff an estimated 5,000 meals have been prepared since the club took up the Thanksgiving cause, which was first offered to people who did not have a place to go or who could not afford a holiday meal.
But a lot changed over the years. For several years now, the dinner is free to everyone in Lehigh. The number of people who ate turkey and all the trimmings last year was about 500 or more.
Those who would like to help out before the dinner can contact Buff at 239-464-4253.
He explained that every little bit helps the club to carry on the community tradition.
The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres is composed of about 30 members. According to Buff, each one will contribute toward preparing the massive dinner.
The doors will open at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and the dinner will continue until 2 p.m.
Buff said the club’s new president, David Anthony, is planning to be completely involved.
Come Dec. 25, the club will prepare a free Christmas dinner. The only difference is the club will cook several hams instead.
“Same terms, come and enjoy a meal. Come and volunteer,” Buff said. “Bring your friends and enjoy Christmas.”