Mercer serves early Thanksgiving feast

MERCER, Wis. - More than 30 residents braved cold temperatures and snowy conditions to dine on an early Thanksgiving meal at the Mercer School on Monday.

For the last five years, a Thanksgiving meal has been provided for local senior citizens for free to help them get into the holiday spirit.

Nine students in Dee Rice's life skills class spent the morning on Monday roasting turkeys, baking ham and whipping up mashed potatoes to serve at the feast.

"This is our fifth year doing this, and we learn things as we go," Rice said. "Our goal is to find an easy way, so anyone can make a Thanksgiving meal. We have found that finesse over the last couple of years."

Students cooked 50 pounds of turkey and 25 pounds of ham, and also served mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, stuffing and pie.

"Snow's IGA in Mercer donated everything for us to make this meal, and they decided to give us fresh baked pies to help," Rice said. "We are so thankful to them."

Each year, new seniors attend the meal, and according to Rice, if someone hasn't come yet, they should.

"They are missing the most amazing lunch," Rice said. "Come see what the kids can do, because they do it all."

For more information, call the Mercer School District at 715-476-2154, or visit mercer.k12.wi.us.