Lehigh Acres Rotary club offers food and company for Thanksgiving

Reporter: Andrea Guerrero Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
pumpkin pie

The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres handed out hot meals to people who had to spend Thanksgiving alone because of the pandemic. For the 700 people getting those meals, they say they’re beyond thankful for the food and company.

Instead of gathering with family, Lehigh Acres residents spent their time in a drive-thru. But for these 700 families, it was important not only to get food but to have someone to talk to.

Lynn Schneider came to pickup a meal. “It means a lot for me to be getting this meal today because I’m alone here,” said Schneider.

Many of these folks will go home and eat these meals alone. While they’re doing it to help slow the spread of the virus, it doesn’t mean they’re happy about it.

Carol Path is used to having people to cook for on Thanksgiving. “I’m so used to cooking for everybody and having everybody over. It just feels funny to be sitting alone on Thanksgiving,” said Path.

The Rotary Club has been serving these hot meals to the community for 15 years. With the pandemic impacting people financially, they knew they couldn’t afford not to help out this year.

“I’ve been coming here since 1976 because it was a tradition with my parents. So, I kind of like to keep the tradition as well,” said Schneider.

Edward Clark is the President of The Rotary Club in Lehigh Acres. “It’s special this year because of the year we’re in and the COVID. There’s more need out there,” Clark said.

The line here reminds us of all the other food distribution lines and economic impacts brought on by COVID-19. The only difference is, this turkey is hot and ready to go.

“It means I get to eat turkey on Thanksgiving!” said Path.

There’s still so much to be thankful for. “I have so much to be thankful for in spite of it all and it is very different, but it will get better. I’m hopeful,” said Schneider.

The Rotary Club says they will be doing another drive-thru on Christmas Day.

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