Thanksgiving dinner at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds is a community affair.
Last year the they served 1,350 guests, and expect a similar crowd again Thursday.
Of those, about 75 percent of the guests are low income, says Janette Brooks, the event’s coordinator.
“The other 25 percent are families from the community who love to spend the day enjoying all the activities available,” she said.
It takes 450 volunteers to pull off the free dinner in seatings at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. at 22901 Edmonds Way.
Folks are invited through posters and cards sent to charity groups, schools and hospitals.
“We often will have guests that are in need of support. There have been families whose loved ones are in the hospital and they have no place to go, so the hospital chaplain will direct them our way.”
All nationalities attend. Westgate provides interpreters and welcomes those with special needs. There is entertainment, family photos and prize drawings.
“More than 220 rides are given to those who otherwise would not be able to come,” Brooks says. “We try very hard to make each guest feel important.”
Don’t sneak food to pets during Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, no matter how cute their wagging tails are.
Nancy Hotter, veterinarian with Animal Emergency Clinic of Everett, says ham fat and turkey skin have too much fat for pets to digest properly and can cause nausea, diarrhea and life-threatening pancreatitis.
“Turkey bones can obstruct a pet’s intestinal tract or even perforate the intestine,” Hotter said. “And looking ahead to Christmas, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats.”
Dogs will chew packages that contain chocolate since they can smell it, so be careful with unopened packages under the tree, she said.
“Also, ribbon, if eaten by a dog or cat, can cut through the intestines and cause severe damage and may require surgery,” Hotter said. “And if there is a lot of company with other pets being brought into the household, anticipate that there will be dog fights.”
Remember, pets are like toddlers.
“They need supervision, protection and constant care,” she said.
The annual Sno-King Support Group family potluck dinner is planned for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds.
Families of the Sno-King Support Group members and others with multiple sclerosis are invited.
Let them know if you’re coming by calling 206-718-0894.
If you need a ride, call 425-280-7673.
Of course, the location is handicapped accessible.
“We have people with walkers, rollators (walkers with seats), scooters and wheelchairs attending,” said support group facilitator Bill Brayer. “The dinner committee works very hard to put on this annual event and we hope you will make every attempt to come and celebrate with us. There will be live entertainment and a few surprises.”
Fun Fact: Admit it. You’ve tucked a little hotel lotion, shampoo and soap into your luggage, and don’t know what to do with the haul.
Here is a nice solution: Take them to AAA Everett, 909 SE Everett Mall Way, No. E-520, or the AAA Lynnwood, 4100 Alderwood Mall Blvd., No. 8, to be given to Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.
They call the campaign “Soap for Hope.”
We aren’t sure what you should do with hotel souvenirs like shower caps, pens, tablets or shoe-shine kits.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
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