Lazarus House serves community

Joan and George Kabichis of the Valley View area of St. Charles Township had planned to spend Thanksgiving with their daughter, who lives just down the street. But she wasn't feeling well.

"We usually have a big dinner at home," said Joan, 73. "But a friend from our church talked us into coming here. She said, 'Why cook?' when it's just the two of you.

"Our other daughter lives in Missouri, and our grandson who lives here is a medical student, and he's on call today," Joan explained.

Joan and George were just two of about 200 who attended the 10th annual Lazarus House Thanksgiving dinner Thursday at the Salvation Army in St. Charles.

It is a time when the residents of Lazarus House homeless shelter in St. Charles share Thanksgiving dinner with the community.

Scores of volunteers bring food and sit down for a traditional meal and fellowship.

The festivities were held in the community room of the Salvation Army where white and orange cloths adorned about 20 tables. The place mats were made by children from churches, Scout troops and the Glenwood School for Boys and Girls. Many had drawings of turkeys.

It was the first Thanksgiving dinner for Donna Bauer in her new job as volunteer and special events coordinator for Lazarus House, although she had served for years as a volunteer.

"I think this year we got more calls from single mothers than ever before," Bauer said. "Some are bringing their children, others are coming alone because the children are spending the day with their father. I think it gives us insight into how things are changing."