Free Thanksgiving meals offered on Thursday

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead Valley residents can partake of two Thanksgiving Day community dinners on Thursday.

. Sykes' Restaurant, 202 Second Ave. W. in Kalispell, will serve its annual free Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring turkey and all the trimmings.

"It's not just for the needy," manager Tim Wise said. "It's for anyone who's alone and just wants some company on the holiday."

A donation jar will be set out.

Sykes' will provide take-out meals and delivery service for shut-ins. Those wanting a free meal delivered should call 257-4306 no later than 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Last year the restaurant served 800 in-house and provided another 275 take-out and delivered meals. The Thanksgiving feed at Sykes' is a long-standing community tradition; Wise said he estimated it's been going on more than 20 years.

Dozens of volunteers are ready to help.

"We couldn't do it without them," he said.

. In Columbia Falls, the North Valley Senior Citizens offer a potluck Thanksgiving meal at 1 p.m. Thursday at the senior center, 205 Nucleus Ave.

Turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a potluck dish. Coffee and water will also be provided.

The meal is open to the public.