Veterans, families to be treated to holiday dinner
Local military veterans and their families are invited to a free holiday dinner this weekend.
Hosted by Southern Premier Homes, the first-ever Veterans Family Christmas Dinner will be held Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library. Held in collaboration with the Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation, there will be dinner, a visit from Santa and more.
“We’re trying to focus a lot on the veterans and their families,” Tiffany LeClerc, of Southern Premier Homes, said. “But also any underprivileged children – we have some foster children coming.”
Those interested in attending should call no later than today to reserve seats.
“If they’re going to bring kids, we wanted to have a present for each child,” she said.
Organizers are expecting a turnout of approximately 150 people.
“I think right now we’re probably close to 90,” LeClerc said on Tuesday.
“We’re aiming to do as much as we could,” she added.
Starting at 1 p.m., attendees can enjoy making ornaments and decorating a 9-foot-tall tree.
“The kids will have arts and crafts and some games to play,” LeClerc said.
A tree lighting will be held at 3 p.m., with holiday music provided by a local Girl Scout troop.
“They’re going to be singing Christmas music,” she said.
Santa and his elves will then make an appearance, and presents will be handed out.
“They can bring a camera,” LeClerc said of the attendees.
At about 4 p.m., a traditional Christmas dinner – with all of the trimmings – will be served.
“We’re going to do the turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes,” she said. “We might have ham.”
Dessert will include favorites like pumpkin and apple pie.
For more information or to reserve seats, contact LeClerc at 239-628-4540.
The Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is at 4820 Leonard St.. Cape Coral.