Editor,

It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed and it’s time again to prepare for this year’s North Whidbey Community Harvest Celebration.

This marks the 16th year since Keith Bartlett and Jack Stiltz started the tradition of providing a free, hot Thanksgiving dinner to the community at the Elks Lodge.

All are welcome and our primary goal is to ensure everyone joining us has a wonderful experience and enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

This day is truly a community event, intended to bring our citizens together for a day of sharing and caring.

These meals are always provided to all at no charge through the hard work and dedication of an all-volunteer staff and generosity of local individuals, businesses and organizations. Donations are accepted, but are not required, in order to join us for this celebration.

As Keith put it, “We don’t care if you drive up in a Rolls Royce or walk in, all are welcome to join us.”

Once again, executive chef Scott Fraser, of Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway, returns to direct preparation of a menu that includes all of the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings — hors d’ oeuvres, turkey and ham, hot vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, salads, desserts and drinks.

More than 400 volunteers help with set up, serving, carving turkeys, greeting guests, setting tables and other duties.

The Oak Harbor Elks shares its facility, the Whidbey Cruzers pitch in to deliver meals, and the Oak Harbor Fire Department helps with clean up.

The Thanksgiving meal is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. If you are not able to join us because you, a family member or friend is elderly or ill, working or just cannot get out, we will deliver a meal or meals to you.

Call our dinner request and volunteer line at 360 240-0175. Leave your name, telephone number and a brief message and someone will return your call. This line is also for those interested in volunteering to help with the many duties throughout the day.

Since its inception in 2001, this wonderful celebration has grown in both participation and support.

As we make preparations for this year’s event, we anticipate the cost of supplies will continue to increase, and so does the need to meet the event’s projected budget of $22,000.

If you would like to make a donation, there will be a donation jar inside the Elks dining room that day, or you may drop off a donation at Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway, with Melissa Riker in Suite 103 in the Olde Town Mall orsend a donation to the address below.

Contributions may be sent to or dropped off at: North Whidbey Community Harvest, c/o Skip Pohtilla, 1090 S.E. Hathaway St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Phone is 360-675-0880. Make checks payable to NWCH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

This year, our greatest needs are: donations; volunteers especially for the 3-5 p.m. shift and break down/clean up; and information regarding anyone who desires or needs to have a meal or meals delivered.

William A. “Skip” Pohtilla, president

North Whidbey Community Harvest

Oak Harbor