Roxanne’s to host free Thanksgiving dinner

TORONTO - Roxanne's Place restaurant, 901 Franklin Ave., once again will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 at the restaurant.

The menu this year will include turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade noodles, beverages and dessert, while diners can stop by the restaurant or call for free delivery, according to Chuck and Debbie Fisher, restaurant owners.

"Usually our desserts are donated, so we never know what we're going to have," said Debbie, adding pumpkin pie may be on the menu.

Both said the free dinner is open to anyone in the community, regardless of income. This is the seventh year the restaurant has been hosting the dinners, and the Fishers have said the community fellowship is part of their Christian duty. The dinners have grown over the years as people become more accustomed to the idea of visiting the restaurant and enjoying some company during the holidays, according to Chuck.

"There were at least 160 people here last Thanksgiving," said Chuck. "The farthest I delivered (a meal) to was on county Road 646. If it's a shut-in (desiring a meal), I'll deliver it."

The Fishers said they get plenty of assistance from some in the community for the meals.

"Some of the food is donated," said Debbie. "Sometimes someone will walk in with a turkey."

"We couldn't do this without the help from the community," said Chuck.

Both said the idea of the meal was not charity, but fellowship with others on a holiday.

"(Those attending) are starting to accept it more," said Debbie. "It's meant to be a fellowship."

"Some people are alone during the holidays, so it gives them someone to share a meal with on Thanksgiving," said Chuck. "I have a feeling with the economy right now - I don't know. I think there will be a greater need for it this year than last year."

"We're not sure this year how much to prepare because of all the layoffs," said Debbie. "This valley has been hit hard."

The Fishers held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Oct. 5 at the restaurant and raised enough to purchase 200 holiday turkeys for the His Hands Extended food pantry, said the Fishers. All donations collected this year during the Thanksgiving dinner will go toward the food pantry as well, they added.

Those wishing to have a meal delivered Nov. 26 are asked to call the restaurant ahead of time at (740) 537-2182.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)