Holiday meal sites expected to be stuffed

Organizers of three free community Thanksgiving Day meals are gearing up for larger-than-expected crowds due to power outages from last week's windstorm. Just how many more people will show up is anyone's guess.

"Time will tell," said John Malee, owner of The Fedora Pub and Grille in Coeur d'Alene, one of the meal sites.

The meal served 1,700 last year and, prior to the windstorm, organizers were preparing for 2,000 this year.

"Now, with more phone calls, we don't know what to expect," Malee said.

The restaurant at 1726 W. Kathleen Ave. will host its fifth annual meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meals will also be served at the Lake City Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d'Alene, from noon to 2 p.m. and at St. George Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls, from 2 to 4 p.m.

All of the sites are accepting monetary donations. The Lake City Center event is also in need of pies, but not turkeys.

"The Coeur d’Alene community has a huge loving and generous heart and it is showcased prominently and proudly at the Lake City Center on Thanksgiving Day," said organizer Mike Hillicoss.

The event at the Lake City Center served 1,200 last year, including 300 people who were homebound.

"We're anticipating that many or more again," Hillicoss said.

There will be live music and a kids corner with gifts and toys.

Tax-deductible money donations should be dropped off at the center or mailed to the facility with "LCC Thanksgiving" designated. To volunteer or for more information, call (509) 226-3208 or email freethanksgivingdaymeal@aol.com.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to or dropped off at The Fedora with "Thanksgiving" designated. A GoFundMe account is at www.gofundme.com/fedoras-freedinner. For more information, call John at 765-8888 or email holiday.fedora@hotmail.com. To volunteer, visit www.volunteer.KootenaiUnitedWay.org.

To support the meal at St. George, tax-deductible donations can be made to St. George Friendship Kitchen. Information: 773-4715