SALVATION ARMY IN NEED OF THANKSGIVING FOOD

More than 450 people are expected to celebrate Thanksgiving together Thursday at the Salvation Army's annual community dinner.

Donations of food items are needed and volunteers are also being solicited, said Capt. Elmer Trapp with the Salvation Army.

"Last year we served 450 people," Trapp said. "We anticipate feeding more at Thanksgiving this year because so many families are exhausted from the flood. I think people will choose to come to the Salvation Army and take part in our community dinner."

Turkeys, hams, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, instant potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls and desserts are all needed. Items may be delivered to the Salvation Army headquarters at 701 Good Hope.

The meal will be served from noon until 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army headquarters.

Thanksgiving meals will also be delivered to those who are unable to attend the dinner. To reserve a delivered meal, call the same phone number. Home deliveries begin at 11 a.m.

"If someone wants to volunteer, they can call 335-7000," Trapp said.

"We sometimes need help ahead of time with preparation of food," Trapp said. "We also need lots of volunteers for the dinner." Preparation of food for the feast begins Monday.

"The uniqueness of this event is that it has become a community event," Trapp said. "People get involved. Every year we have new people, and the one comment we always hear every year is that the volunteers have had fun. They also say that they have made new friends and want to help again."

The meal is offered to anyone who wants to partake; it is not designed specifically for low-income individuals.

"Just look what it costs to prepare a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings. For a husband and wife, it might be more fun to come down to the Salvation Army," said Trapp. "They can come down, help us and be involved."

The dinner offers an added benefit for the Salvation Army, Trapp said. "People get a heartbeat of what the Salvation Army is all about -- serving people who have a need."