Elgin community dinner a success

From the history of the Mayflower to the spirit of helping those in need, Lorraine Allerton loves Thanksgiving.

When her husband Robert was alive, he would share stories of his ancestor Issac Allerton who was one of the first Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower.

“I jumped headfirst into all those stories and the history because it's fascinating,” she said. “But you also realize the importance of family and helping those in need that is important to this holiday.”

So it was no surprise to see Allerton sharing her husband's stories Thursday at the community Thanksgiving dinner at the Hemmens Cultural Center, or her son Perry and grandson Tom volunteering by serving turkey to the hundreds of others attending the dinner in downtown Elgin.

“We all got a taste of what it's all about,” she said. “It's important for my grandson to see this.”

The Allertons were just a few of the 800 or so area residents expected to enjoy a traditional turkey, stuffing and corn dinner at the city's annual Thanksgiving dinner, the second organized by local businessman Jeff Turner.

In previous years, the dinner was held in the school cafeteria at St. Joseph Catholic Church but the city now provides space at the Hemmens to accommodate the hundreds of guests.

Volunteer and donor John Shales, of Shales McNutt Construction, said over time, the dinners have evolved from something for the less fortunate to a communitywide meal for anyone and everyone.

“Look around and see all the families eating a meal together and talking,” Shales said. “For some this is the only Thanksgiving meal they have. For others this is just a community event they want to be a part of and it's great.”

The success of the Thanksgiving dinners has since led Turner, owner of In the Neighborhood Deli, to organize three other community meals throughout the year: a “Have a Heart” Valentine's Day dinner and two cookouts in the summer.

His dinners rely on personal and business donations, in addition to volunteers. Thursday, Shales said, volunteers had to be turned away.

“It really is amazing to see all of our neighbors who are willing to sacrifice their Thanksgiving Day to provide a great meal for others,” he said. “The community always comes through for this event.”