The Moose Lodge of Brainerd is asking for the public's help. Otherwise it will have to abandon its annual Thanksgiving Day dinner.
The Lodge is asking for donations of between $1,600 to $2,000 in order to host its annual Thanksgiving Day meal that is geared for those in need or individuals who have nowhere to go on the holiday.
Sue Albertson, senior regent of the women's division of the Moose Lodge, said the Moose Lodge has hosted the dinner for the past 32 years. Albertson, who cooked the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal for the past three years, said the dinner serves about 300-350 people a year.
This is the first year the Moose Lodge has been in this dire a financial situation, said Albertson. Albertson said the dinner usually is financed by the club's gambling fund. This year there is no money in the fund.
"People don't have money to go out to drink, eat and gamble anymore," said Albertson. "Our club is struggling. The economy and the smoking ban hit us and a lot of people are staying home.
"I don't know where these people will get a meal (on Thanksgiving) if we don't have this."
Albertson said the Moose Lodge also has delivered meals to people who needed them.
Albertson said any donation - large or small - would be appreciated. Albertson said if the club can raise the money by Wednesday it could host the dinner this year. Donations may be dropped off at the Moose Lodge or mailed to Moose Lodge, 219 S. Ninth St., Brainerd, MN 56401. Or call the Moose Lodge at 829-4841.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
Top Commented Articles
