WINNEBAGO Winnebago has had many successes this year, with nearly every storefront on Main Street home to an active business. That's why the Chamber of Commerce has decided to sponsor a free Thanksgiving dinner for those in need.

"Thanksgiving is just a time you can sit and reflect on the good that's happened in the past year," said Chamber of Commerce President Scott Robertson. "We want to give something back to the area to show our appreciation - that our hearts are in the right spot."

Two weeks ago a few members were sitting in the Chamber office trying to find a way to have some good news come out of Winnebago.

"With Thanksgiving dinner, we had thought about it for a couple years and finally decided to try it," Robertson said." The food shelf is being used 100 percent more than it was a year ago in Winnebago. We felt the need to have a Thanksgiving dinner."

The dinner is not solely for those who can't afford to prepare their own Thanksgiving smorgasbord. It's also for those who will be alone on the holiday - singles, couples, elderly, homebound. Free will donations for the meal will be accepted.

"It's for anybody that wants to come up and share a meal on Thanksgiving Day," Robertson said.

The meal will include turkey, dressing, all the trimmings, pie - everything that would go with a Thanksgiving dinner. Delivery is an option for the elderly or physically homebound.

Robertson said it may be possible to give rides to the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, where the chamber is hosting the dinner. People are requested to call and RSVP.

"But we would not turn anybody away that comes," Robertson said.

The meal isn't just for Winnebagoans either.

"It's for the whole area," he said. "Winnebago, Blue Earth, Delavan, Huntley, Amboy.

"The only one around is the Salvation Army (dinner) in Fairmont. The amount of people that have contacted us about either giving food, money or just coming in and helping that day has just been overwhelming. Any food items or money left over will go directly back to the food shelf."

Robertson said his biggest fear about the endeavor is low attendance since this is the event's first year.

He said they plan to make it an annual event, and encouraged anyone to help with it - from preparations to waiting tables. Food will be served beginning at noon until probably 2 p.m. on Thursday.

Reservations can be placed by calling Bittersweet Mercantile at (507) 893-4100 or City Hall at (507) 893-4774.