MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Elks host a free community Thanksgiving dinner Thursday.

Many organizations come together each year to put on the dinner, which was initially started more than 10 years ago for developmentally disabled individuals. The dinner expanded to include the whole community, said Barbara Umberger, outstation manager for state Department of Social and Health Services Division of Developmental Disabilities.

"Anybody who wants a Thanksgiving dinner early is invited," she said, adding that it also provides a meal to people "who may not be having a Thanksgiving dinner because they don't have family or they can't afford to make it or don't know how to make it or don't want to make it for just two people. It gives them an opportunity to socialize and it gives developmentally disabled clients a chance to socialize with the community."

Last year, 60 volunteers helped serve 560 meals to members of the community.

The dinner is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Moses Lake Elks Lodge, 814 N Stratford Rd. in Moses Lake.

Culinary students at Columbia Basin Job Corps make and serve all the food.

For transportation reservations, call People for People at 509-765-9249.