Inspired Elginite opens heart, kitchen next month

When Jeff Turner volunteered last year at Elgin's annual Thanksgiving lunch for the homeless and less fortunate, he had a question.

"Why do we only do this once a year? Why don't we do it more often?" he asked.

Now Turner, owner of In The Neighborhood Deli, is on the cusp of starting a new Elgin tradition.

He is planning "Have a Heart," a community dinner for the less fortunate from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Turner sent out an e-mail to friends and associates last week and said he received an overwhelming response in the form of cash and in-kind donations along with volunteers.

He's planning to serve a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, vegetables, coffee, dessert and more for as many as 800 people.

Anyone is welcome regardless of age or income.

"We've got a ways to go. There's a lot of work to be done." he said.

Turner said he has support from the Elgin construction firm Shales McNutt and about 50 of the 80 volunteers he needs so far.

"(The number of volunteers) doesn't surprise me. Elgin is good like that," he said.

Lynne Bosley, executive director for the Elgin United Way, volunteered with Turner on Thanksgiving, where he served as the main chef.

Bosley will help out again next month and in the meantime she said the agency would publicize the new event.

"What (Turner) did was absolutely amazing," she said. "It's very obvious he's had large-scale experience feeding people. He had it down to an art or science - or a little bit of both."

Ken Nicolai, major at the Elgin Salvation Army, said his group likely would spread the word to people who come to the Douglas Avenue location for assistance or weekly food distributions on Fridays.

Nicolai also volunteered last Thanksgiving and pledged to do the same on Feb. 14.

"It surprised me how he jumped on this so quick," Nicolai said. "You mention things in the heat of the moment, but it really stayed in his heart. It shows what kind of person he is."

Turner said he hopes to stage four large meals a year, perhaps with a large cookout in Festival Park in June.

"It's food, it's fun, it's fellowship," he said. "(Last Thanksgiving) was a great day. It impacted me huge."

To volunteer, donate or for details, call (847) 888-9486 or email intdeli@gmail.com.