For the past 11 years, Laura Baker Services Association has hosted an annual Thanksgiving Dinner as a way of thanking community members for their ongoing support. This year is no different.

Once again, the association, which serves clients who are developmentally disabled and helps them achieve their life goals, opens its doors 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday for community members to participate in a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Nearly 300 people on average attend the meal, which is free and open to the public, said Jane Fenton, Laura Baker's director of community relations. Fifty volunteers help with the gathering.

"Because we serve a meal for 30 clients and all their staff members on Thanksgiving, we decided to open this event up to everyone in the community in an effort to give back to those who support us," she said.

The feast will include turkey, stuffing, potatoes with gravy, corn, salad, pie and more.

For those who can't attend onsite, meals will be delivered to those placing orders by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by calling 645-8866, extension 137.

The holiday celebration takes place at the Laura Baker campus at 211 Oak St. at the Millis Dining Hall.

Many local merchants donate goods to the event, including: Ole Café, the Tavern, Goodbye Blue Monday, Econofoods, McLane, Winters' Muddy Marsh Farms, Judy's Floral Design, Quality Bakery, Just Food Co-op, Kent Holden of Holden Farms and Upper Lake Foods.

According to officials at the Community Action Center of Northfield, the nonprofit's weekly Thursday's Table, which provides a free hot, healthy meal to Northfielders, will not happen on Thanksgiving. The CAC is asking its usual visitors to attend the Laura Baker gathering.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Laura Baker Services Association annual Thanksgiving dinner
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: 211 Oak St.
WHO: Free and open to the public