By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The Elks Loge 802 hosted the annual Thanksgiving Day community dinner on Thursday in Warsaw — a tradition that’s continued for decades.
Organizers saw hundreds take advantage of the free meal program that has been limited to drive-thru and deliveries since after the pandemic in 2020.
The community dinner had normally been held at the Center Lake Pavilion but was scaled back as a result of COVID and has continued to operate out of the American Legion Post 49 even after pavilion renovations were completed two years ago.
The Elks have always relied on the American Legion because of its larger kitchen facilities.
Tina Minnix Phipps, with the Eks, spoke briefly while preparing meals Thursday morning about the desire by some to restore the community dinner under one large roof.
“I always told everybody we treat them like they’re coming to our house for Thanksgiving, so we miss out on that personal touch that we haven’t been able to offer since COVID,” said Tina Minnix Phipps, a longtime volunteer with the Elks.
While the tradition has continued for decades, she also lamented the one sad reality that came to light in recent years.
“One thing we found out when people were doing their drive-thru, we were finding out how many people were homeless and living in their vehicles with their pets,” Minnix Phipps said. “In previous years, we tried to save enough money to buy the blankets, and scarves and hats and that just didn’t happen this year,” she said.
Anyone wishing to get involved in the future can call (574)267-7802.
The Elks Lodge is at 310 E Center St. Warsaw. The website is here.
A final meal count for Thursday was not immediately available, but was expected to be similar to last year when they provided a record-setting 720 meals.
