Free Thanksgiving dinner for seniors set for Sunday in Houma

Terrebonne Parish senior citizens can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal fit for royalty, or at least served by royalty, on Sunday.

The Krewe of Hercules’ 2008 Royal Court, with the help of the Terrebonne Council on Aging, the sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office, will host the meal at the East Houma Bingo Hall at 507 Grand Caillou Road beginning at 11 a.m.

For nearly 15 years, dating back to the reign of Norris Naquin, the krewe has honored local seniors at Thanksgiving with a meal. This year’s dinner is being held in Naquin’s memory.

“We wanted to do something for the seniors in the community, so the board got together and decided that a Thanksgiving meal would be just the thing,” said Michael LaRussa, court captain.

According to LaRussa, each year the royal court is responsible for serving more than 2,000 people. The court raises about $10,000 to cover the cost, and accepts outside donations from the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office and corporate sponsors.

Any money left over from the event is given to the local Council on Aging to help with unfunded needs. The organization pays for medicines and personal items for needy citizens with the fund.

The Thanksgiving meal is prepared by the trustees in the sheriff’s work inmate program, and members of the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s Office serve the meals. The traditional menu includes turkey, peas, rice and turkey dressings and cranberry sauce.

“Sheriff Jerry Larpenter and District Attorney Jo Waitz Jr. are always happy to help with the program because they believe we’re giving the senior citizens a day out to have fun and fellowship with their friends,” LaRussa said.

“This is a good function for needy seniors. We don’t turn anyone down. As long as we have food we are serving it,” he said.

Because of the event’s popularity, the krewe has added a Christmas dinner to its annual offering, as well as a mini-Mardi Gras event.

On Sunday, the Council in Aging will provide transportation to the Thanksgiving dinner.

The Krewe of Hercules is still in need of donations and volunteers. For more information, contact LaRussa at (985) 872-0444.