Lazarus House in St. Charles offers free Thanksgiving meal

Give thanks this Thanksgiving with more than just your family and friends. Lazarus House makes it possible for you to give thanks with your community, too.

Everyone in the community is invited to a Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Tri-Cities Salvation Army in St. Charles. Dining will begin at noon.

“Expect a really fun day and be able to pull out years of family food secrets,” said Donna Bauer, volunteer special events coordinator at Lazarus House. “To me, this is the true meaning of a community.”

Lazarus House residents, staff, volunteers and supporters will dine side-by-side with anybody who shows up.

“This event isn’t targeted to any specific people,” said Bauer. “This is for everyone to come out and appreciate a special day with community fellowship.”

People who are able to cook or bring a side dish to pass, potluck-style, are encouraged to do so, although bringing a dish is not required.

“Side dishes like stuffing and potatoes are what we need most,” said Bauer. “We always receive them cooked.”

About 20 turkeys were donated to this event and will be cooked by the St. Charles Moose Lodge. This will be the lodge’s fourth year donating and cooking turkey and gravy for Lazarus House.

Violinist Arianna Smith is one of several musicians — some of whom have been volunteering their time and talent for nearly five years — who will play Christmas music to entertain diners.

For dessert, there will be pies donated by parents at area schools who purchased extras through Market Day events. About 20 pies were donated, Bauer said.

For details, call (630) 587-2144. Admission is free. Registration, by emailing juliep@lazarushouseonline.com or calling, is not required but is appreciated.

Tri-Cities Salvation Army is at 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles.

Lazarus House is a charitable organization based in St. Charles that offers services and support to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.