Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, in partnership with Marquette Elks Lodge 405, will prepare 200 Thanksgiving meals for delivery to area isolated elders. In addition to the meal, each recipient will receive a festive gift and flower. Here Erin Shei, LBFE volunteer coordinator, sorts gifts and decorated bags that were created and donated by individual volunteers and others from the Au Train-Onota Public Schools, Dawn Dott Dance Studios in Marquette, the Marquette Senior High School’s Functional Skills class and Madgoodies Studio in Marquette. According to Shei, over 200 volunteers and contributors from the community are making this holiday meal with unique trimmings possible. (Photo courtesy of LBFE)

MARQUETTE — Several area organizations are planning dinners on Thanksgiving Day for the community.

One of those organizations is Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, which has a location at 1817 Presque Isle Ave. in Marquette.

Program Manager Leslie Bek said the group, partnering with Marquette Elks Lodge 405, will bring meals to isolated elderly individuals who otherwise would be alone on the holiday. This year, the limit of 200 individuals in the greater Marquette area already has been reached.

“It grows every year,” said Bek, who noted that the organization has received “tremendous” financial contributions for meals.

Volunteers from the community and the Elks lodge, she said, will be involved in the event, which will run from noon to 2 p.m.

Bek stressed that each elder will receive a card, a carnation and a gift, most of which were made by local youth groups.

She also said that other agencies are involved in the well-being of senior citizens.

“We see ourselves as a complement to senior centers and others who are also serving these folks,” Bek said.

Another place offering Thanksgiving meals is Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 333 E. Ridge St. in Ishpeming. The meal, which will be served at noon, is free, but donations will be accepted. The meal is dine-in only, so no takeout meals or deliveries will be offered.

The Negaunee Eagles 1944, located at 311 Iron St., will offer a free turkey dinner with dessert from to 1 to 4 p.m. Dawn Lambert, event coordinator for the Eagles, said food will be served as long as it lasts. Businesses have donated toward the meals, she said, but donations will be accepted on Thanksgiving.

Shannon’s Home Cooking, located at 120 N. Pine St. in Gwinn, will provide free traditional turkey dinners from 11 to 2 p.m., pickup only. Patrons are urged to call the restaurant at 906-346-2365 ahead of time so it can plan for the day. Donations will be accepted.