Free Thanksgiving Day Meal seeks volunteers, donations

Mike and Vicki Hillicoss are once again leading the effort to provide a free Thanksgiving Day meal at Lake City Center in Coeur d’Alene.

“As we approach the holiday season we reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for. This is the time of year we gather together to celebrate one another and all we have accomplished,” Mike and Vicki wrote, in a recent letter announcing preparations for the meal are under way. “Not everyone is as fortunate, some are alone or unable to provide a meal for themselves. This may include the homeless, the disabled, the elderly or the homebound.”

In its 19th year, the meal at the Lake City Center, 1916 N. Lakewood Drive, is on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

It is a traditional sit-down dinner with live music, decorations, and a wait staff.

For the kids, there will be an activity center with games, crafts, face-painting and Santa.

Rides to the center are available to whoever may need one or meals can be delivered to those who are unable to attend.

“We appreciate and are grateful every year to the 120-plus volunteers that take the time to work on Thanksgiving Day,” said the Hillicosses in their letter, “But much of the work is done before the meal and we need your help. You can do as much or as little as you wish. Every bit counts.”

Help is needed to spread the word about the dinner.

The organizers’ goal is “anyone and everyone who can benefit from the meal will hear about it and be able to attend or receive it.” Volunteers are needed to deliver fliers and make phone calls.

Food, monetary donations and small toys are also needed.

A successful free Thanksgiving Day meal, provided exclusively by the community, calls for 50 turkeys, 80 pies and $5,000.

“With appreciation and thankfulness, we would like to acknowledge all of our neighbors who have given in years past,” the Hillicosses wrote. “Without you this meal would not be possible.”

To volunteer or donate turkeys, pies or make a donation, call (509) 226-3208, or email freethanksgivingdaymeal@aol.com.