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Thanksgiving dinner

What: Thanksgiving dinner at Westgate Chapel, 22901 Edmonds Way, Edmonds. When: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., Nov. 26 Cost: Free

CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Edmonds’ Westgate Chapel serves up hospitality for holiday

By Katie Murdoch
Enterprise editor

EDMONDS

Thanksgiving at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds is open to anyone who would otherwise spend the holiday alone or not have enough money to feed their family, one volunteer said last week.

Edmonds resident Theresa Jensen will be one of more than 500 volunteers serving up mashed potatoes and turkey during the church’s 15th annual sit-down feast. All the food is collected through donations from primarily church members.

People can attend one of three seatings at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Jensen advised people should arrive approximately an hour early and have hors d’ouvres and family photos taken.

Westgate Chapel is located at 22901 Edmonds Way, Edmonds.

During the last decade, Jensen has spent every Thanksgiving volunteering at the church and forming a bond with other volunteers.

“There’s closeness amongst the volunteers,” she said.

Jensen said the volunteers try to create an inviting atmosphere to erase the stigma of a cold, lonely food line.

“It’s truly a family style, sit-down dinner,” she said.

Volunteers have posted fliers advertising the Thanksgiving dinner at hospitals, senior centers and clinics and places where they are guaranteed to get noticed. Event organizers are offering rides to the church and will deliver meals to people that can not leave their home. People should call 425-775-2776 for a ride.

Jensen said approximately 1,400 to 1,500 people attended from Everett, Burien, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Edmonds and Brier last year. All types of people attended from families, the homeless to senior citizens, she said.

Jensen said she anticipates even more people to come in light of the economy.

Sticking to tradition, the dinner will feature live entertainment to appeal to all ages.

“We’ll offer something for the whole family,” Jensen said.