Nov 15, 2005 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – The 18th annual Family Thanksgiving Dinner at Center in the Woods offers a hot meal and a sense of family to those who might otherwise go without this holiday season. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, with appetizers and punch. Dinner will be served at noon in the center’s dining room. Ethel’s Edibles of Uniontown will cater the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. The cost to sponsor a dinner is $12.

Sandy Lusco will sing and play the guitar during the event.

Diane Kuppelweiser, the center’s program and operations director, said event attendance has increased over the years and approximately 110 people attended last year.

An estimated 125 people are expected to attend this year, she said, adding that 70 percent of those who attend the dinner are senior citizens.

“The event has absolutely been a success in the past,” Kuppelweiser said. “A number of people come in and volunteer and do what needs to be done that day.”

Youth and church groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops and college students volunteer at the annual event, she added.

“In the past, we’ve always had enough,” Kuppelweiser said. “We don’t turn anyone away.”

To make a reservation by Friday or to sponsor a meal, call the center at 724-938-3554.