The spirit of giving was alive and well in the Oakdale community this past week.

That spirit, in fact, could be felt from the moment turkeys began being unloaded and prepped and potatoes were peeled starting on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Headed up by the Oakdale Lions Club, community volunteers showed up to help prepare for the annual Spirit of Oakdale Dinner, which was served on Thanksgiving Day at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. The dinner is a staple, drawing in diners from throughout the area for the free, freshly prepared traditional holiday meal including turkey and all the trimmings.

Organizers shared that the throng of diners began lining up as early as 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, they estimate to have served several hundred, if not close to a thousand diners. Many came to eat in person and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie, while others were blessed with home delivered meals, courtesy of the Oakdale Police Department CAPS volunteers.

Community members were treated to a hot, home cooked Thanksgiving meal, as well as dessert and beverage service at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. The annual event is free to any and all who attend.