Rotary Club serves hundreds at St. Raphael Church in Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.- A group dedicated to community service provided Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of people in Lehigh Acres on Thursday.

The Rotary Club works year-round to host the dinners at St. Raphael Church. Two dozen Rotary Club members cook for days to feed as many as 600 people.

“It may be someone who can’t afford a meal. It may be someone that lives alone, and would like to have a social Thanksgiving, and we don’t think anyone should be alone on Thanksgiving,” said Mike Buff.

Rotarians cooked 28 turkeys, made 50 pounds of dressing, and baked dozens of pies. They know the economic recovery has been slow to reach parts of Lehigh.

“The salaries right now, are not what they used to be. Right now, only my husband is working in our home. I have little baby at home, and right now we’re still getting on our feet. So this is a really big help,” said resident Sheila Garcia.

Smiles were present everywhere, as the Rotary Club members received many thanks for their work.

“I think this is marvelous! All these people together, as one big, happy family,” said Pauline Rice.

“You’re exhausted, you don’t ever want to see another turkey. But then, someone will come up to you, I had a lady come up to me and tell me how much she appreciated it, she didn’t have family,” said Dick gretchen. “I say to myself, that’s why I’m doing it.”

The Lehigh Acres Rotary Club won’t be taking a break, already planning to serve free meals at St. Raphael on Christmas Day.