A lunch of hot, homemade vegetable soup on a cold winter's day can be yours Friday when the Young at Heart Seniors' Club holds their annual bazaar and soup luncheon on Friday. The event takes place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Scotland Place on Turnpike Road in Laurinburg.

Club Vice President Doris Douglas, now participating in her 14th soup sale, is the chairperson of the event.

"The Young at Heart Soup Sale is a 30 year tradition that was begun by Lucy Cotter," Douglas said. "It was begun as both a way to help the community and to keep senior clubs going."

The club's emphasis, according to Douglas, is to both help support area nonprofits and to visit seniors in the community with gifts and good cheer.

"In addition to raising money that we present to various local agencies, one focus of our group is to visit seniors in area nursing homes and to visit those who are homebound," Douglas said. "As a preliminary to Friday's soup sale, today we're making soup for club members who are disabled and will be unable to attend Friday's event."

Barbara Causey has been a club member for two years.

"The soup sale is a wonderful community event that many look forward to each year," Causey said. "Friday's weather is predicted to be rainy and cold, a perfect day for a hot bowl of soup."

Friday's lunch prices will be $4 for an eat-in meal, which includes homemade vegetable soup, homemade dessert, and a beverage of one's choice, and $4.50 for quarts of take out soup.

Deliveries of 10 or more orders are available by calling 276-8796 or 280-8251.

"This is the only fundraiser held by the club each year," Douglas said. "We appreciate all the community support, and we invite you to join us. in addition to the good food, the luncheon is an excellent way to catch up on news and to see old friends. It's a fun occasion for everyone."

Advance tickets are encouraged, and are available from any club member or by calling 276-8796 or 280-8251.

The club welcomes new members 55 and older, and invites all seniors to join. Dues are a one time fee of $1.