The American Legion Home in Bogalusa was packed at lunch time Tuesday with about 500 senior citizens happy to start off the holiday season being feted by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The annual WPSO tradition of inviting the elders of the community to gather for a Thanksgiving dinner, complete with entertainment and fellowship, was kicked off with enthusiasm as deputies and staff members joyfully served up plates full of turkey and all the traditional trimmings.

They were joined by volunteers including Assessor Jimbo Stevenson, Clerk of Court Johnny Crain Jr., Bogalusa City Council members Teddy Drummond and Oneita Graham, Venturer Scouts, Bogalusa High School students and others.

While the older folks enjoyed their holiday meals with friends and neighbors, Don Miley and Janey Hollingsworth provided live musical entertainment.

Ellis Jenkins, who was wearing a cap that identified him as a “1929 model,” said he attends the dinner every year, primarily for the fellowship.

First timer Linda Walker was beaming.

“I love it,” she said. “I’ll be back next year.”

Sheriff Randy Seal thanked all present for their attendance and for their contributions to the community.

“It takes a team and a family to make things work,” he said. “And it’s not 50/50. I think all you seniors know it’s 100/100. Whatever you do in life you have to put your whole heart into it.”

He encouraged continued participation.

“I love this parish,” Seal said. “I want to see it do better.”

He said he wants to see a return to times like in the 1950s and 1960s when people could sit on their porches in peace.

“It’s not there yet, but it’s getting there,” Seal said.

He urged everyone to “call if you see something.”

The WPSO tradition of offering the Thanksgiving dinners in Bogalusa and Franklinton has been extended to also include one in Mt. Hermon this year.

A dinner will be held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, at 950 Self St. in Franklinton, starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21. And one will be held in the Mt. Hermon High School cafeteria, 36119 Louisiana Highway 38 in Mt. Hermon, starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25.

The WPSO invites all parish senior citizens to attend.

Seal said the third dinner would take place in the Varnado/Angie community next year, in the Thomas/Pine community the following year, and in the Enon/Isabel community the next year.