Thanks to the community, the annual Thanksgiving Day meal is back on at the Moose Lodge in Brainerd.
The Lodge has hosted a free Thanksgiving Day dinner for the past 32 years. This year, the annual dinner was in jeopardy because of lack of funds. The lodge went to the public and asked for donations up to $2,000 to host the dinner that is geared for those in need or individuals who have nowhere to go on the Thanksgiving holiday.
Tari Johnson, Moose Lodge business manager, said as of Tuesday afternoon the Lodge raised more than $2,500. Johnson said donations came from many people in the community who gave anywhere from $8 to $1,000 for the dinner.
"We are so thankful to the community," said Johnson. "When we opened the mail Monday morning and saw that we raised $600, we couldn't believe it. We are so thankful."
Johnson said raising more money than expected will help cover any added costs of the dinner. The Thanksgiving Day meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal will be traditional - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and pie.
Johnson asked those who plan to attend the dinner to make reservations by calling the Lodge at 829-4841. Johnson said reservations are not required, but she'd like to have a rough count on how many people to plan for. Johnson also encourages individuals, who will need a meal delivered to them, to make reservations.
Around 50 volunteers will be needed to help make the dinner a success, said Johnson. Anyone interested in helping out, such as delivering meals, serving the meal or greeting the guests should call the lodge.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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