FOOD NEEDED: ARMY PLANS FOR THANKSGIVING

The Salvation Army is looking for donations towards its annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkeys, hams and other Thanksgiving fixings are needed for the meal, expected to serve over 500 individuals.

Capt. Elmer Trapp of the Army said the annual dinner is a community event and each year draws a big crowd of diners and volunteers.

The Thanksgiving meal is served Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Headquarters, 701 Good Hope.

"One of the really unique things is the community involvement," Trapp said. "People really look forward to Thanksgiving; we have already had people calling to volunteer their time."

In addition to the anticipated 500 diners, Trapp said at least 75 people will volunteer their services to prepare, serve and clean up the meal.

"That's really more than we need," he said.

But they don't turn workers away. "Give us a call; we have a lot of jobs to be done."

Volunteers and diners at the Thanksgiving dinner are often people who would otherwise be alone on the holiday. And that's why the dinner is held. Fellowship is a key for the Thanksgiving meal, Trapp said.

"We have a lot of moms and dads whose kids are gone and won't be home for the holiday who come down," Trapp said. "We have young married couples who have no relatives close by. We have college students a long way from home who would otherwise be alone.

"The Cape area is really a caring community," he said. "People who volunteer don't think about working. They think about helping people. And the comment I hear most every year is that they have had a lot of fun. They want to come back the next year."

Right now the Army is looking for frozen turkeys and hams. Individuals are asked not to cook the turkeys.

"If someone is interested in helping cook turkeys, they should give us a call," Trapp said.

Also needed are green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, pumpkin pies and other desserts, bread and dinner rolls.

Monetary donations are also needed to buy items for the meal.

Donations can be dropped off at the Army headquarters weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-5 p.m.

Trapp asked that donations arrive by Nov. 23 or 24.

Carryout meals will be available also on Nov. 26 for those people who cannot attend the dinner. To make reservations for delivery, call 335-7000 by Nov. 25.