‘Have a Heart’ dinner still seeking donations

Two years ago Jeff Turner helped the Salvation Army host a Thanksgiving dinner for hundreds of people. Turner’s involvement, seeing the community come together, inspired him to commit to four dinners per year: two in the summer, one at Thanksgiving and one for Valentine’s Day.

Turner has coordinated with local donors to fund the dinners ahead of time but there was a mix-up for this weekend’s “Have a Heart” meal. Now, instead of exclusively focusing on planning and food prep, Turner is spending this week searching for donations.

“There was a lapse in communication on this one,” Turner said, claiming all the blame. “I dropped the ball.”

Last year, 750 people came to the Valentine’s Day dinner but Turner will be ready to feed 1,000 for this year’s meal, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Turner said it will take about $2,000 to feed everyone so he will continue accepting donations until he gets the $1,000 or so he still needs. There are also three volunteer shifts available throughout the day. And donated desserts are always welcome and can be dropped off this week at Turner’s In the Neighborhood Deli, 185 N. Edison Ave., or Sunday between 8 and 11 a.m. at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

During the first year the dinners were organized for the less fortunate members of the community. But Turner said they have evolved into communitywide events.

“With the economy we’re in and the recession we went through, everybody is hurting in one way or another,” Turner said.

The dinners are now an excuse to bring the whole community together and lift everyone’s spirits.

Residents are also invited to Elgin’s City Skate, held in conjunction with the meal, from noon to 6 p.m. at Elgin’s ice rink, between City Hall and the Hemmens Cultural Center.

Free skate rental and a 10-percent discount to the Golden Dragon Acrobats Sunday performances will be available for those who donate diapers or powdered baby formula to the Community Crisis Center.

And skating demonstrations by skaters from West Dundee’s Leafs Ice Centre will be held at 1 and 5 p.m. for all who want to watch or learn.

Anyone interested in donating money or volunteering time to the Have a Heart dinner should contact Turner at itndeli@gmail.com or (847) 888-9486. Checks should be made out to the Elgin Community Network, Turner’s nonprofit.