Treat your valentine to free pasta at Elgin Have a Heart dinner
If you're a pasta lover with no plans for Valentine's Day, consider attending the Have a Heart community dinner in Elgin.
The sixth annual meal, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Elgin's First United Methodist Church, will feature a new twist this year - a spaghetti cook-off.
"We decided to do something different this year," said Jeff Turner, owner of In the Neighborhood Deli and organizer of the event. "We have community groups - fire fighters, American Legion, businesses and others - each submitting a sauce."
Turner said the sauces will be served over pasta, with garlic bread and salad on the side, and guests will get to vote for their favorite.
"We'll be ready for about 1,500 (guests)," said Turner, who also organizes Elgin's community Thanksgiving dinner. "But in February, attendance is very dependent on the weather; in the past we've had anywhere from 650 to 1,200."
Although the meal is free, Turner said, "It's not just a dinner for the less fortunate," and everyone in the community is invited. Donations, of money or desserts, are also welcome, he said.
"Everything goes into the Elgin Community Network and we use it to fund the Thanksgiving and Valentine meals," he said. "The nice thing is that all the leftovers are donated to the Community Crisis Center, PADS and other local charities - everything gets eaten."
"The desserts are 100 percent donations, and I would expect to see lots of chocolate or Valentine-themed items."
Would-be donors can also consider helping to serve or clean up at the meal. Turner said it takes about 80 to 100 volunteers to put on this event.
Entertainment is also provided by volunteers, although Turner said nothing has been definitely lined up yet.
"We usually have student groups singing," Turner said. "And we usually get the police department chaplain playing accordion."
But don't expect Turner to perform.
"I don't sing, that's for sure," he said with a laugh. "That's one thing you can count on."
For details on the meal or on donating or volunteering, call (847) 888-9486 or email akturner95@yahoo.com.
If you go
What: Sixth annual Have a Heart community dinner
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Where: First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave, Elgin
Cost: Free
Details: Volunteers and donations are still welcome. Call (847) 888-9486 or email akturner95@yahoo.com