By Mark Ambrogi

No one should be alone for Thanksgiving dinner. That’s something Buddy LeRose said he believes strongly.

So for the second consecutive year, a free dinner will be held at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 11441 Hague Rd., Fishers.

“We’re reaching out to those who are in need of a meal,” said LeRose, a Fishers resident who came up with the idea. “It’s also for anyone in the community who is going to be alone on Thanksgiving for whatever reason. We want them to have a nice Thanksgiving Day meal and maybe socialize with folks in the community.”

LeRose said those who come could be, for example, a college student from out of state, or someone who has moved to the area for a job, or perhaps senior citizens whose children might be with their spouse’s family.

LeRose said Good Samaritan Network again will serve as a partner.

“They’ve been doing this in Noblesville for years,” LeRose said. “They distribute the fliers on the meal to all the food pantries and schools in the area.”

LeRose said he is trying to advertise the dinner better around the community as well.

The Good Samaritan Network prepares the food and delivers it Thanksgiving morning.

The free meal will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24 in the Craig Willey Hall (the building behind the church) and will include turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, rolls and dessert.

Approximately 50 people attended last year.

“There is a group of seven or eight of us who are lining up volunteers and making sure the hall is set up properly,” LeRose said. “We’ll probably have 40 to 50 volunteers to help out Thanksgiving Day.”

A group that knits scarves and mittens will donate the clothing to those in need. There will be board games and a face painter for kids.

“We’re trying to make it a special day for whoever wants to join it,” LeRose said.