Thanksgiving feast what Elgin's all about

In recent weeks, Elginites have rallied around Patricia Keeney, a local business owner battling cancer, by collecting donations and helping run her sporting goods store in her absence.

That's a prime example, says Jeff Turner, owner of In the Neighborhood Deli, of residents and business owners joining together to help out others in the community. It's that same spirit that's evident in Elgin's annual Thanksgiving dinner, where about 100 volunteers will help prepare and serve a traditional turkey dinner to some 700 expected attendees Thursday at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

“We're a community. It's what a community is all about people coming together to help each other,” said Turner, the event's organizer. “We rally behind causes we believe in. People have a genuine desire to make Elgin a better place.”

This will be the second year Turner is spearheading the effort after the dinners had been held in the school cafeteria at St. Joseph Catholic Church for more than 20 years. The city provides space at the Hemmens Cultural Center free of charge, with room to fit the hundreds of people expected a number that's grown over the years.

Turner said the dinners have evolved from something for the less fortunate to a communitywide meal for anyone and everyone.

“It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, black or white, come down and share a meal, talk and make new friends,” Turner said.

Because of the success of the Thanksgiving dinners, Turner decided 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. Turner said he has had to turn away about 200 volunteers because there is not enough work for them.

But he is still encouraging people to make financial contributions for this and future events.

Dessert donations are also being accepted, he said. They can be dropped off at his deli, 185 N. Edison Ave., Tuesday or Wednesday, or at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, between 8 and 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The dinner runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.