Volunteers can help at Thanksgiving dinner in Elgin

As the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter, thoughts turn to the holiday season.

For many families, this is not a season of joy but a season of worry, as jobs have been lost, homes foreclosed, and worlds turned upside down.

Jeff Turner of In The Neighborhood Deli is once again spearheading the effort to provide a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.

Once again, they are counting on the community for their support.

You can volunteer to help at the dinner. Volunteers are needed for setup from 9 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to serve, and 2 to 4 p.m. to clean up. Register to volunteer at uwelgin.org.

You can also donate dessert items. Drop them off at the Hemmens lower level after 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Last Thanksgiving saw hundreds of volunteers come out to serve a hot, hearty Thanksgiving meal to families who might otherwise not be able to afford the turkey with all the trimmings and those looking for some companionship.

The turkeys, generously donated by groups and individuals through the Salvation Army, were prepared through a massive effort involving the Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin Country Club, Judson University, Provena St. Joseph Hospital and Sherman Hospital, and then served with an array of side dishes prepared by Turner and his staff and served by volunteers.

Dozens of individuals donated desserts and finally, a generous financial contribution from EFS Foundation helped defray all other costs. Through these collaborative efforts, more than 500 people were served a warm meal and a bit of joy.