Organizers with North Whidbey Community Harvest are seeking donations and volunteers as they prepare for the Thanksgiving event, Nov. 27, at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.

The event, in its 13th year, is a community feast prepared by Scott Fraser and his staff from Frasers Gourmet Hideaway offered free to the public, though donations are accepted.

The event’s coordinators consist of business owners and community members who are carrying on an idea started by the late Keith Bartlett.

Following in the spirit of Bartlett’s idea, the dinner is served on linen tablecloths using formal dishes, glassware and utensils — nothing plastic.

The group got off to a late start this year and reorganized with Skip Pohtilla stepping into the president role.

North Whidbey Community Harvest features a full-course Thanksgiving dinner served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with deliveries offered for those unable to attend.

The event draws a few thousand people who come for the food and company or simply to help.

The event’s coordinators are aiming to raise $18,000 this year to cover costs.

Volunteers are needed to help with serving, deliveries, washing dishes and other duties.

Inquiries should be made by calling 360-279-1722. That also is the number to call to schedule a delivery for Thanksgiving.

The most pressing need is donations, Pohtilla said.

Donations may be mailed to: North Whidbey Community Harvest, care of Skip Pohtilla, 1090 SE  Hathaway St., Oak Harbor, WA, 98277. Donations also may be dropped off at two Oak Harbor businesses: Frasers Gourmet Hideway at 191 SE Fidalgo Ave. or Whidbey Residential Rentals at 285 NE Midway Blvd.