Antioch center hosts Thanksgiving dinner

The Antioch Senior Center expects a capacity crowd for the annual free community Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at the center, 817 Holbek Drive.

This is the fourth year for the dinner, co-hosted by the senior center, Open Arms Mission Food Pantry volunteers and Chamber of Commerce director Barbara Porch and her family and friends.

Last year's event was moved from Thanksgiving Day to the Saturday before the holiday. Moving the date attracted more diners, said Porch.

"We had the largest turnout ever, about 125 people, and this year we are planning for a crowd of more than 150," said Porch, who encourages anyone in the community to enjoy the free traditional holiday meal. "Come and join us, no questions asked," she said.

"We were not sure we were serving all the people we want to reach with this dinner when it was on Thanksgiving Day," said senior center director Paul Howard. "The change in day wasn't made to accommodate volunteers; we've always had plenty of generous people who volunteer their time to prepare and serve the meal. We wanted to see if we could serve more people who otherwise may have plans or obligations on Thanksgiving Day."

Porch said last year diners included young families, empty nesters and seniors. "It is a nice mix of people, and the food is absolutely delicious," said Porch.

Piano, banjo and organ dinner music will be provided followed by football broadcast on the center's big screen television in the recreation room. "We might even do a sing-along. We always turn it into a party," said Howard.

The meal is prepared by Open Arms Mission Food Pantry volunteers and served by local volunteers. Food pantry volunteers also prepare enough food to provide meals to several Lake County homeless shelters and Lakewood Towers, a senior housing center in Lake Villa.

Donations of homemade desserts are needed, "but we don't need any more volunteers to serve the meal," said Howard.

Traditionally the volunteers wait until all diners are served before they share in the feast. "We are never short on volunteers because everyone enjoys the homey atmosphere and the good food."