VFW hosts free holiday dinner, Thanksgiving closures announced

A free community  dinner will be served at noon on Thanksgiving Day at VFW Post #5366 on HH Highway in Isabella. Another community meal will be served on Christmas Day.

Facility manager Ruby Winslow said everyone is invited to the dinner; last year more than 100 people shared the meal, which is provided free of charge. If advance arrangements are made, meals can also be delivered to nearby residents who are unable to attend or prepared for pickup. 

The VFW welcomes donations of cash and food to help it serve this community meal. While Thanksgiving arrangements are pretty much finalized, Winslow says the VFW greatly appreciates those who can cook an extra dish and deliver it to the facility shortly before Christmas  – or donate and deliver a turkey or ham to be cooked at the VFW at least three days beforehand. 

If you can help, call 273-5008 to let the VFW staff know what’s  coming. Or call for more information or to arrange for home delivery or pickup. To send a tax-deductible cash donation, make checks payable to Isabella VFW Post 5366 and mail to P.O. Box 323, Isabella, MO 65676.

Holiday closures

 The Ozark County Courthouse, Gainesville City Hall, The Center, the Gainesville License office and the Ozark County Times office will all be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24, in observance of Thanksgiving. The Ozark County Volunteer Library will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Banks, post offices and many area businesses will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, but will be open Friday, Nov. 24.